On Saturday, the Union Education Ministry launched 52 short textbooks in Indian non-scheduled languages, including Tribal languages, for early childhood care and education (ECCE), to provide young learners access to education in their mother tongue.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the primers, a short book for introducing a subject to students. These primers were developed through a collaboration between the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysuru.

The Non-Scheduled Languages refer to all other languages that are spoken in India but have not been given official recognition.

“The 52 primers in Indian languages have paved the way for the beginning of a new civilisational renaissance. These initiatives will create a seamless and futuristic learning landscape, promote learning in Indian languages, realise the vision of NEP 2020, and holistically transform school education,” the minister said.

The initiative aligns with the government's commitment to foster Indian languages in education across all levels, consistent with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020.

“The primers will initiate an inspirational journey for young minds, paving the way for deeper understanding, lifelong learning, more familiarity and rooted beds in indigenous culture and greater success in academics and beyond,” the ministry said in a statement.

Sanjay Kumar, the Secretary of School Education, emphasized the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's suggestion to achieve a 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) at the secondary level by the year 2030.

“The department is committed to fulfilling that. The new textbooks are for Classes 3-12, some of which have already been developed and the remaining ones will also be brought out soon. The 52 Primers were developed following the suggestions of Shri Pradhan,” he said.

Additionally, the minister unveiled several other initiatives, such as the District Institute of Education & Training (DIET) of Excellence, the National Professional Standard for Teachers, the National Mission for Mentoring, the National Vidya Samiksha Kendra, and the establishment of 200 TV channels. These efforts aim to empower both teachers and learners, fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable approach to quality education.

“Financial assistance will be provided to States/UTs for the physical upgradation of all District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) to develop them as DIET of Excellence in the country in a phased manner in the next five years up to Rs. 15 Crore/DIET under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Samagra Shiksha,” the ministry said.

Image source: PIB