National Education Day 2024: Honouring Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Every year on November 11, India observes National Education Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India. This day emphasizes the importance of education in shaping the nation’s future and serves as a reminder of Azad’s vision for an educated and empowered India. With a significant portion of India’s population under the age of 35, the importance of quality education and skill development has never been more critical.

History and Significance of National Education Day

Declared by the Government of India in 2008, National Education Day honours the monumental contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to India’s education system. Azad, born on November 11, 1888, was not only a prominent freedom fighter but also a visionary leader who saw education as the cornerstone of national progress and individual empowerment.

Azad’s Contributions to Indian Education

Azad’s tenure as Education Minister saw the establishment of several pivotal educational institutions. He played a vital role in founding:

• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
• University Grants Commission (UGC)
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
• Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

For his visionary contributions, Azad was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1992. National Education Day thus not only celebrates Azad’s contributions but also the broader significance of education as a fundamental right and a driving force for social and economic progress.

Government Initiatives to Transform Education in India

In alignment with Azad’s vision, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to foster quality education, equity, and holistic development. The key schemes aim to expand access to education, support skill development, and prepare the youth for the challenges of the 21st century.

1. PM SHRI Schools: A Vision for Quality Education

Approved on September 7, 2022, the PM SHRI Schools scheme (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) is a flagship program aimed at enhancing 14,500 schools nationwide. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this scheme focuses on quality education, cognitive growth, and modern skills development for students. With a budget of ₹27,360 crore (central share ₹18,128 crore), PM SHRI aims to shape India’s educational landscape over the next five years (2022-2027).

2. Samagra Shiksha: Inclusive and Equitable Education

Launched on April 1, 2021, Samagra Shiksha aligns with the NEP 2020, focusing on inclusive education for children from diverse backgrounds. It seeks to create an equitable classroom environment and enhance academic performance, covering the period until March 31, 2026.

3. PRERNA Program: Experiential Learning through Heritage and Innovation

In January 2024, PRERNA initiated its pilot phase in Vadnagar, Gujarat. This week-long residential program allows selected students from classes IX to XII to explore innovative learning, integrating India’s cultural heritage with modern technology. Each batch includes 20 students (10 boys and 10 girls) who experience hands-on, inspirational learning.

4. ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram): Promoting Adult Literacy

ULLAS, or the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), launched in FY 2022-27, aims to empower adults aged 15+ by enhancing their literacy. This program enables them to contribute more actively to society and aligns with the NEP 2020 goals of accessible and equitable literacy for all.

5. NIPUN Bharat: Foundation for Early Literacy and Numeracy

The NIPUN Bharat mission, launched on July 5, 2021, targets foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3. This initiative is critical to ensure every child achieves basic reading and numeracy skills by 2026-27.

6. Vidya Pravesh: School Preparation Module for Young Learners

Vidya Pravesh introduces a three-month play-based school preparation module for children entering Grade I. Released on July 29, 2021, this initiative provides a welcoming environment to ease the transition and foster positive early learning experiences.

7. Vidyanjali: Community Engagement in Schools

Launched by Prime Minister Modi on September 7, 2021, Vidyanjali encourages community involvement in school education through volunteerism and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This scheme supports quality education by inviting contributions from citizens and the private sector.

8. DIKSHA: A Platform for Teacher Training and Development

Introduced on September 5, 2017, DIKSHA is a national digital platform offering training and resources to teachers. Customizable by states and Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs), DIKSHA empowers educators to deliver high-quality education across India.

9. SWAYAM Plus: Revolutionizing Higher Education

SWAYAM Plus, launched on February 27, 2024, introduces industry-relevant courses with an innovative credit recognition system. This program enhances employability by strengthening ties between higher education institutions and industry.

10. NISHTHA: Professional Development for Teachers

The NISHTHA program (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) was launched in August 2019 and transitioned to NISHTHA-Online in 2020. By 2021, NISHTHA 2.0 and 3.0 were introduced, focusing on secondary education and foundational literacy, respectively.

11. NIRF Ranking: Promoting Quality in Higher Education

Established in 2015, the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) provides a transparent system for assessing higher education institutions, fostering competition and driving improvements across the sector.

12. PM-Vidyalaxmi: Financial Assistance for Higher Education

The PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme supports meritorious students with education loans for quality higher education in India’s top 860 institutions. With a budget of ₹3,600 crore from 2024-31, this scheme will aid over 22 lakh students each year.

Investment in Education: Building a Brighter Future for India

Reflecting its commitment to a robust educational framework, the Government of India has allocated ₹73,498 crore to the Department of School Education & Literacy in FY 2024-25. This represents a 19.56% increase from the previous fiscal year. Additionally, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas received the highest-ever allocations of ₹9,302 crore and ₹5,800 crore, respectively. For higher education, a budget of ₹47,619.77 crore was allocated, with ₹7,487.87 crore dedicated to specific schemes.

NEP 2020: The Foundation for Transformative Education

Approved on July 29, 2020, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to revamp India’s education system, promoting inclusivity, flexibility, and skill development. Key features include:

• Multidisciplinary Learning: Emphasis on holistic, flexible curriculum structures.
• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: Ensuring foundational skills in early education.
• Vocational Training: Integration of skill-based learning to enhance employability.

The NEP 2020 seeks to equip India’s youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in an evolving global landscape.

Summary of the News