National Education Day Celebrated Across India, Emphasizing Importance of Education

On November 11, India commemorates National Education Day, celebrating the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the country's first Education Minister post-independence. This day underscores the pivotal role education plays in the development of India, especially critical as 65% of its population is under 35 years old.

Government Initiatives to Boost Education

The Government of India, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has launched numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the education landscape:

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Approved on July 29, 2020, NEP 2020 seeks to reform the education system to meet 21st-century demands, promoting inclusivity and forward-thinking education strategies.

PM SHRI Schools: Launched on September 7, 2022, this initiative will strengthen over 14,500 schools with a focus on quality education, cognitive development, and 21st-century skills, with a project cost of ₹27,360 crore.

Samagra Shiksha: Since its inception on April 1, 2021, this scheme aims to ensure quality education for all, focusing on inclusivity and equity.

PRERNA: A pilot residential learning program started in January 2024 at Vadnagar, Gujarat, offering students from Class IX to XII a blend of heritage and innovation.

ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram): A literacy program for adults launched for the period 2022-2027, aiming to empower those who missed formal schooling.

NIPUN Bharat: Launched in July 2021, this initiative targets foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3 by 2026-27.

Vidya Pravesh: Aims to ease the transition of children into Grade-I with a play-based preparation module.

Vidyanjali: Encourages community and private sector involvement in improving school education quality.

DIKSHA: Since its launch in 2017, this platform has been enhancing teacher training and development.

SWAYAM Plus: Introduced in February 2024 to revolutionize higher education and improve employability through credit recognition for industry-relevant courses.

NISHTHA: A comprehensive teacher training program, now online, focusing on the holistic advancement of educators.

NIRF Ranking: A framework to assess and rank higher education institutions, promoting competition and improvement.

PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme: Provides financial aid for students pursuing higher education in top institutions, with a significant budget allocation for the coming years.

Significant Budgetary Increase

Reflecting its commitment to education, the Indian government has allocated a record ₹73,498 crore to the Department of School Education & Literacy for FY 2024-25, marking a 19.56% increase from the previous year. This includes substantial investments in autonomous bodies like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Additionally, the Department of Higher Education's budget has seen a notable rise, emphasizing targeted initiatives.

Progress in Higher Education

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022 reports significant advancements in higher education, with increased enrolment, particularly among females and disadvantaged groups. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) has reached 1.01, indicating a balanced gender representation in higher education.

National Education Day not only honors Maulana Azad's legacy but also serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts needed to build a robust educational framework that can empower the youth and drive India towards a prosperous future.