NCERT, the National Council of Educational Research and Training, has achieved a significant milestone on its 63rd Foundation Day by being granted the status of a deemed-to-be-University. This new recognition opens up numerous possibilities for global collaborations and elevates NCERT’s standing in the international educational sector.
Attending the Foundation Day celebration, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed enthusiasm for the future prospects brought about by NCERT’s transformation into a research university. He highlighted the council’s established presence in research, as well as its contributions to school education, teacher training, and adult literacy. With its elevated status, NCERT can now engage in global partnerships and make meaningful contributions to the global educational landscape.
During the event, Minister Pradhan also inaugurated a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory at the CIET (Central Institute of Educational Technology) in New Delhi. This modern facility will further enhance NCERT’s capabilities and enable the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in education.
Emphasizing the significance of this milestone, Minister Pradhan referred to the transformative potential of NCERT’s Jadui Pitara, a play-based learning-teaching material designed for children aged three to eight years. This innovative tool is poised to benefit an incredible 100 million children across the country, bringing about a positive change in their educational experience.
To further advance India’s research and innovation ecosystem, Minister Pradhan proposed the establishment of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence labs in all seven regional centers of NCERT. By equipping these centers with the latest technologies and future-ready infrastructure, India can aspire to become a global hub of research and innovation.
NCERT’s Director, Sanjay Kumar, commended the council’s efforts in aligning its learning materials with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020. He emphasized the importance of integrating various disciplines such as art, science, and vocational studies into a single platform to provide holistic learning opportunities for children. Additionally, he shared that NCERT will develop educational materials in all 22 languages with the help of software like Anuvadini, facilitating access to quality education for diverse linguistic communities.
Overall, the attainment of deemed university status marks a significant achievement for NCERT. This new development not only enables the council to engage in global collaborations and contribute to the international educational sector but also reflects the strides being made in revolutionizing education in India. With the support of modern technologies, innovative teaching materials, and a commitment to holistic learning, NCERT is well-positioned to shape the future of education in the country and beyond.
