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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Five years of National Education Policy: Taking stock of the transition
It is five years since the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 — the country's third such policy since Independence — was cleared by the Union Cabinet. The NEP promised a sweeping reset of both school and higher education. Some of that vision has made its way into classrooms. But a lot remains on paper, slowed by state-Centre frictions, or held up by institutional delays. What has worked School curriculum is changing, slowly: The 10+2 system has been replaced with a new structure — foundational (pre-primary to class 2), preparatory (classes 3-5), middle (6-8), and secondary (9-12). In 2023, the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) laid out the learning outcomes and competencies for each stage. NCERT has produced new textbooks for classes 1-8 based on this framework. Social science, for example, is now taught as a single book covering history, geography, political science, and economics, replacing separate textbooks for each subject. New books for classes 9-12 are expected next. First steps of early childhood learning: The NEP aims to make pre-primary learning universal by 2030. NCERT's Jaadui Pitara learning kits are already in use, and the Women and Child Development Ministry has issued a national ECCE curriculum. Delhi, Karnataka, and Kerala will soon enforce the minimum age of six for class 1 entry. 2023-24 data show a fall in class 1 enrolments to 1.87 crore from the 2.16 crore of previous year, likely due to this age cutoff. About 73% of those enrolled had attended some form of preschool. The big hurdles are better training for Anganwadi workers, and improving infrastructure and teaching quality in early education centres. National focus for foundational skills: NIPUN Bharat, launched in 2021, seeks to ensure every child can read and do basic math by the end of class 3. A recent government survey found average scores were 64% for language and 60% for math — a start, but well short of universal proficiency. Credit-based flexibility starts to take shape: The NEP suggested the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). This, and a National Credit Framework (NCrF) have been developed. UGC rules published in 2021 allowed students to earn and store credits digitally, even across institutions, making it possible to move between courses or exit and re-enter. The system allows students to earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, or complete a four-year multidisciplinary degree. The NCrF brings similar flexibility to school students, where learning hours (including skill-based ones) translate into credits. CBSE invited schools to be part of an NCrF pilot last year. Common test for college entry: The Common University Entrance Test (CUET), introduced in 2022, is now a key route to undergraduate admissions. NEP 2020 had suggested that multiple college entrance exams should be replaced with a single national test. Indian campuses abroad and vice versa: IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIM Ahmedabad have set up international campuses in Zanzibar, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai respectively. University of Southampton recently opened in India, after two other foreign universities at GIFT City, Gujarat. Another 12 foreign universities are in the process of being approved under UGC regulations, plus two more at GIFT City, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said earlier this month. What's in progress Changes in board exams: The NEP envisages less high-stakes board exams. Starting 2026, CBSE plans to allow class 10 students to sit for board exams twice a year. Karnataka has experimented with this; other boards are waiting to see how it plays out. The NEP idea of offering all subjects at two levels (standard and higher) is limited to class 10 math, which CBSE introduced in 2019-20. Holistic report cards, so far on paper: PARAKH, a unit under NCERT, has developed progress cards that go beyond marks, and include peer and self-assessment. But some school boards are yet to make the shift. Slow progress for four-year UG degrees: Central universities are rolling out NEP's idea of four-year undergraduate degrees with multiple exit options, and Kerala has followed. But in many places, colleges don't yet have the faculty or infrastructure. Mother tongue in classrooms: NEP encourages the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction till at least class 5. CBSE has asked schools to begin this from pre-primary to class 2, with classes 3-5 retaining the option of staying or switching. NCERT is working on textbooks in more Indian languages. What's stuck and why Three-language formula remains a sticking point: NEP proposes three languages in school, at least two of them Indian. But Tamil Nadu, which follows a Tamil-English model, sees this as an attempt to impose Hindi. Teacher education overhaul hasn't happened: The National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education, due in 2021, is yet to be released. The four-year integrated course has been announced under the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), but colleges offering existing programmes like Bachelor of Elementary Education ( are pushing back. UGC's proposed successor delayed: A 2018 draft bill proposed scrapping the UGC Act and replacing it with an umbrella Higher Education Commission of India (HECI). NEP formalised the idea — HECI would handle regulation, funding, accreditation, and academic standards across higher education, excluding medical and legal. But the Education Ministry is still in the process of drafting the Bill. No breakfast in schools yet: NEP recommends breakfast along with midday meals. But in 2021, the Finance Ministry rejected the Education Ministry's proposal to add breakfast for pre-primary and elementary classes. Policy divide between Centre and states: Some states have pushed back against key NEP provisions. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have refused to sign MoUs with the Centre to set up PM-SHRI schools, citing clauses that require full adoption of NEP. Tamil Nadu opposes both the three-language formula and four-year UG structure. Kerala and Tamil Nadu argue that since education is on the Concurrent List, the Centre cannot mandate these changes unilaterally. The Centre has withheld Samagra Shiksha funds from these states, saying the money is tied to NEP-linked reforms. Tamil Nadu has challenged the freeze in the Supreme Court. Karnataka, which introduced and scrapped the four-year UG model, is working on its own state education policy, an election promise made by the Congress in 2023.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Over 50 per cent children stunted in 63 districts across 13 states and UTs: Parliament data analysis
New Delhi, As many as 63 districts across 13 states and Union Territory, including 34 in Uttar Pradesh, have reported that more than 50 per cent of children enrolled in anganwadis are stunted, according to an analysis of multiple documents submitted in Parliament. Over 50 per cent children stunted in 63 districts across 13 states and UTs: Parliament data analysis The analysis also showed that 199 districts reported stunting levels between 30 per cent and 40 per cent. Stunting is a form of chronic undernutrition that occurs when children do not receive adequate nutrition over a long period of time. According to the data based on the Ministry of Women and Child Development's Poshan Tracker for June 2025, some of the worst-affected districts with highest level of stunting include Nandurbar in Maharashtra , West Singhbhum in Jharkhand , Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh , Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh , and Bongaigaon in Assam . Uttar Pradesh leads the list with 34 districts showing stunting levels above 50 per cent, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Assam. In response to multiple questions, the Women and Child Development Ministry said that 35.91 per cent of the 8.19 crore children aged 0-6 years measured across anganwadis were stunted and 16.5 per cent were underweight. Among children below five years of age, the prevalence of stunting was even higher at 37.07 per cent. The situation is equally serious in terms of underweight children. Nandurbar in Maharashtra recorded 48.26 per cent underweight prevalence, the highest in the country, followed by districts like Dhar , Khargone and Barwani in in Madhya Pradesh, Dang in Gujarat , Dungarpur , and Sukma in Chhattisgarh . Wasting, which indicates acute malnutrition, was highest in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, at 17.15 per cent, followed by Bijapur in Chhattisgarh and Mon in Nagaland . Madhya Pradesh has multiple districts with stunting above 50 per cent, including Shivpuri , Khargone and Guna . Assam also has multiple districts with stunting above 50 per cent, including Cachar , Darrang , and South Salmara-Mankachar . Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap and Upper Subansiri also figure among the worst hit. Karnataka's Raichur and Bagalkot , Rajasthan's Salumbar , and Gujarat's Narmada further have high prevalence of stunting. Among Union Territories, Mahe in Puducherry had a stunting rate of 57.38 per cent, the highest among UTs. Responding to another question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur had stressed that nutrition is not just about food but involves factors like sanitation, safe drinking water, and education. "As malnutrition requires a multi-sectoral approach, it is crucial to address the issue in a convergent manner," she said in a written response. She added that the government is implementing 'Mission Saksham Anganwadi' and 'Poshan 2.0', an umbrella scheme that integrates anganwadi services, 'Poshan Abhiyaan', and adolescent nutrition programmes. The scheme focuses on community-based management of acute malnutrition , the use of fortified rice, and the inclusion of millets in meals. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Over 50% children stunted in 63 districts across 13 states, UTs: Parl data
As many as 63 districts across 13 states and Union Territory, including 34 in Uttar Pradesh, have reported that more than 50 per cent of children enrolled in anganwadis are stunted, according to an analysis of multiple documents submitted in Parliament. The analysis also showed that 199 districts reported stunting levels between 30 per cent and 40 per cent. Stunting is a form of chronic undernutrition that occurs when children do not receive adequate nutrition over a long period of time. According to the data based on the Ministry of Women and Child Development's Poshan Tracker for June 2025, some of the worst-affected districts with highest level of stunting include Nandurbar in Maharashtra (68.12 per cent), West Singhbhum in Jharkhand (66.27 per cent), Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh (59.48 per cent), Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh (58.20 per cent), and Bongaigaon in Assam (54.76 per cent). Uttar Pradesh leads the list with 34 districts showing stunting levels above 50 per cent, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Assam. In response to multiple questions, the Women and Child Development Ministry said that 35.91 per cent of the 81.9 million children aged 0-6 years measured across anganwadis were stunted and 16.5 per cent were underweight. Among children below five years of age, the prevalence of stunting was even higher at 37.07 per cent. The situation is equally serious in terms of underweight children. Nandurbar in Maharashtra recorded 48.26 per cent underweight prevalence, the highest in the country, followed by districts like Dhar (42 per cent), Khargone (36.19 per cent) and Barwani (36.04 per cent) in in Madhya Pradesh, Dang in Gujarat (37.20 per cent), Dungarpur (35.04 per cent), and Sukma in Chhattisgarh (34.76 per cent). Wasting, which indicates acute malnutrition, was highest in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, at 17.15 per cent, followed by Bijapur in Chhattisgarh (15.20 per cent) and Mon in Nagaland (15.10 per cent). Madhya Pradesh has multiple districts with stunting above 50 per cent, including Shivpuri (58.20 per cent), Khargone (55.02 per cent) and Guna (52.86 per cent). Assam also has multiple districts with stunting above 50 per cent, including Cachar (54.11 per cent), Darrang (51.65 per cent), and South Salmara-Mankachar (52.67 per cent). Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap (52.74 per cent) and Upper Subansiri (52.10 per cent) also figure among the worst hit. Karnataka's Raichur (52.76 per cent) and Bagalkot (51.61 per cent), Rajasthan's Salumbar (52.95 per cent), and Gujarat's Narmada (50.71 per cent) further have high prevalence of stunting. Among Union Territories, Mahe in Puducherry had a stunting rate of 57.38 per cent, the highest among UTs. Responding to another question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur had stressed that nutrition is not just about food but involves factors like sanitation, safe drinking water, and education. "As malnutrition requires a multi-sectoral approach, it is crucial to address the issue in a convergent manner," she said in a written response. She added that the government is implementing 'Mission Saksham Anganwadi' and 'Poshan 2.0', an umbrella scheme that integrates anganwadi services, 'Poshan Abhiyaan', and adolescent nutrition programmes. The scheme focuses on community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM), the use of fortified rice, and the inclusion of millets in meals.
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Over 50 per cent children stunted in 63 districts across 13 states and UTs: Parliament data analysis
As many as 63 districts across 13 states and Union Territory, including 34 in Uttar Pradesh, have reported that more than 50 per cent of children enrolled in anganwadis are stunted, according to an analysis of multiple documents submitted in analysis also showed that 199 districts reported stunting levels between 30 per cent and 40 per cent. Stunting is a form of chronic undernutrition that occurs when children do not receive adequate nutrition over a long period of time. According to the data based on the Ministry of Women and Child Development's Poshan Tracker for June 2025, some of the worst-affected districts with highest level of stunting include Nandurbar in Maharashtra (68.12 per cent), West Singhbhum in Jharkhand (66.27 per cent), Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh (59.48 per cent), Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh (58.20 per cent), and Bongaigaon in Assam (54.76 per cent). Uttar Pradesh leads the list with 34 districts showing stunting levels above 50 per cent, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Assam. In response to multiple questions, the Women and Child Development Ministry said that 35.91 per cent of the 8.19 crore children aged 0- 6 years measured across anganwadis were stunted and 16.5 per cent were underweight. Among children below five years of age, the prevalence of stunting was even higher at 37.07 per situation is equally serious in terms of underweight in Maharashtra recorded 48.26 per cent underweight prevalence, the highest in the country, followed by districts like Dhar (42 per cent), Khargone (36.19 per cent) and Barwani (36.04 per cent) in in Madhya Pradesh, Dang in Gujarat (37.20 per cent), Dungarpur (35.04 per cent), and Sukma in Chhattisgarh (34.76 per cent).Wasting, which indicates acute malnutrition, was highest in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, at 17.15 per cent, followed by Bijapur in Chhattisgarh (15.20 per cent) and Mon in Nagaland (15.10 per cent).Madhya Pradesh has multiple districts with stunting above 50 per cent, including Shivpuri (58.20 per cent), Khargone (55.02 per cent) and Guna (52.86 per cent).Assam also has multiple districts with stunting above 50 per cent, including Cachar (54.11 per cent), Darrang (51.65 per cent), and South Salmara-Mankachar (52.67 per cent). Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap (52.74 per cent) and Upper Subansiri (52.10 per cent) also figure among the worst Raichur (52.76 per cent) and Bagalkot (51.61 per cent), Rajasthan's Salumbar (52.95 per cent), and Gujarat's Narmada (50.71 per cent) further have high prevalence of Union Territories, Mahe in Puducherry had a stunting rate of 57.38 per cent, the highest among to another question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur had stressed that nutrition is not just about food but involves factors like sanitation, safe drinking water, and education."As malnutrition requires a multi-sectoral approach, it is crucial to address the issue in a convergent manner," she said in a written added that the government is implementing 'Mission Saksham Anganwadi' and 'Poshan 2.0', an umbrella scheme that integrates anganwadi services, 'Poshan Abhiyaan', and adolescent nutrition programmes. The scheme focuses on community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM), the use of fortified rice, and the inclusion of millets in meals.
News18
17-07-2025
- News18
Women And Child Development Ministry Paid Internship Applications Open, Apply Now
Last Updated: The Women and Child Development Ministry is offering a 2 month paid internship for women from rural and non-Tier I cities, with a stipend of Rs 20,000 and hostel facility in Delhi. The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has announced its 2025 internship programme, specially designed for women students, teachers, social activists, and researchers—particularly those from non-Tier I cities and rural India. This two-month paid internship offers hands-on experience with the Ministry's ongoing work and projects, giving participants exposure to real-world policy implementation and development initiatives focused on women and children. Purpose Of The Internship The internship aims to introduce selected women to the Ministry's flagship programmes and policy framework. Interns will have the opportunity to work on pilot projects or micro-studies related to the Ministry's core areas of focus. Beyond professional exposure, the initiative hopes to inspire participants to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities—raising awareness and contributing to conversations around gender and child welfare at both local and national levels. Who Can Apply? Importantly, applicants must be from non-Tier I cities or rural regions. The programme specifically targets women from underrepresented geographies to broaden access to central government opportunities. Selection Process Candidates will be selected by a special Selection Committee set up by the Ministry. Once finalised, the list of selected applicants will be published under the 'Downloads' section of the Ministry's Internship Portal. Note: Individuals selected once will not be allowed to reapply in future editions of the programme. Stipend, Travel & Accommodation Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 20,000. In addition: Travel reimbursement (for AC 3-tier train or deluxe/AC bus travel to Delhi) will be provided. Hostel accommodation in Delhi will be arranged on a triple-sharing basis, including basic amenities like a bed (no mattress), table, chair, cupboard, and attached bathroom. How To Apply? Interested candidates can apply online through the official application link. The last date to apply is July 10, 2025. For any queries or support, candidates can reach out via email at: mwcd-research@ view comments First Published: July 04, 2025, 16:09 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
