GEDU Partners with QE Barnet to Establish Elite Schools in India and UAE

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September 3, 2024

Global Education Holdings Limited (GEDU), a leading UK-based education business, has announced a strategic partnership with Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, London, to establish affiliate schools in India and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion marks a significant milestone in delivering the esteemed educational ethos and heritage of Queen Elizabeth’s School to new international markets.

The first phase of this initiative includes the opening of two Queen Elizabeth’s (QE) international schools in India, with one located in GIFT City, Gujarat, and the other in Gurugram, near Delhi. In the UAE, a QE school is planned for Dubai, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to global education excellence. Each school will feature a dedicated headteacher, senior leadership team, and specialised teaching staff to ensure the highest educational standards.

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, founded in 1573 by royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I, is renowned for its rich heritage and pioneering tradition. It stands as one of the UK’s top-performing state-funded schools, known for providing a well-rounded education based on merit to pupils from diverse backgrounds. Notably, in 2023, only one other UK school outperformed QE Barnet at A-Level. The school has an impressive track record, with 45 pupils securing places at Oxford and Cambridge and 50 pursuing medicine or dentistry in 2023. In 2024, 55% of QE Barnet leavers received offers from QS World Top Five universities, including 62 offers from Oxford or Cambridge.

Also Read: Balancing AI & Human Touch: A Futuristic Approach To School Curriculums

The international QE schools in India and the UAE will carry the prestigious QE name and branding, adhering to the ethos and educational methodology of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet. Unlike the boys-only day school in Barnet, the international branches will be co-educational, with some schools accepting children from kindergarten. These new schools will be fee-paying institutions managed by GEDU and will not receive state funding.

The establishment of these QE international schools underscores GEDU’s commitment to expanding high-quality education globally, providing students in India and the UAE with access to the renowned QE educational experience.

Balancing AI & Human Touch: A Futuristic Approach To School Curriculums

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 2, 2024

The advent of AI has become a topic of considerable interest, particularly in early childhood education. This emerging technology can potentially revolutionise learning behaviour among young minds. In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with the traditional modes of teaching presents a promising opportunity for creating more dynamic, immersive and personalised learning experiences. As we strive to prepare students for a future dominated by technological advancements, it becomes imperative to strike a delicate balance between the capabilities of AI and the irreplaceable human touch in education.

The futuristic mode of curriculum and education prepares students with immersive learning techniques and a gamified curriculum, which is essential to nurturing well-rounded and adaptable students. According to Global Market Insights, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education reached USD 4 billion in 2022 globally and is projected to expand at over 10% CAGR from 2023 to 2032, owing to the growing inclination towards personalised learning. Further, we deep dive into AI’s various capabilities in education and how we embrace this technology.

Embracing AI in Education

Personalised Learning: Personalised learning is the most significant benefit of AI. By analysing AI algorithms, educators can analyse students’ performance and further tailor educational content. This allows educators to customise lesson plans addressing individual needs. This ensures every student gets optimum benefits at their own pace, fostering a more inclusive learning environment.
Strengthened Educational Resources: Virtual tutors, interactive simulations, and adaptive learning platforms powered by AI provide students with additional support and opportunities for engagement. These technologies can simulate real-world scenarios, making complex subjects more accessible and fostering deeper understanding and retention.
Data-Driven Insights: AI’s ability to analyse educational data empowers educators with valuable insights into student performance trends and learning patterns. This data-driven approach enables teachers to make informed decisions about curriculum design, instructional strategies, and individualised interventions.
Foster engagement: AI enhances student engagement through gamification. Making learning fun, interactive, and engaging increases communication capabilities. Additionally, various rewards motivate students to engage more in learning.

Preserving Human Element

While AI offers remarkable advantages, the human touch remains indispensable in education:

Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills: Teachers play a crucial role in nurturing students’ emotional intelligence, empathy, and social skills. These qualities are essential for collaboration, leadership, and interpersonal relationships, which cannot be fully developed through technological means alone.
Critical Thinking and Creativity: AI excels in processing information and solving problems based on predefined algorithms. In contrast, educators inspire critical thinking, creativity, and innovative thinking—skills that are vital for adapting to complex challenges and driving future advancements.
Ethical Considerations: As AI becomes more prevalent in education, ethical considerations such as privacy, bias in algorithms, and responsible use of technology become increasingly important. Educators must guide students in understanding these ethical implications, fostering responsible digital citizenship.
Personalised Teaching: The mentorship and guidance provided by teachers extend beyond academic instruction. They serve as role models, mentors, and advocates for students’ holistic development, offering personalised support and encouragement that AI cannot replicate.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Partners with Google to Launch AI Labs in Chennai

Accomplishing Balanced Approach

Achieving an optimal balance between AI and the human touch requires a thoughtful and integrated approach:

Professional development and teacher training: AI can benefit educators by providing them with professional development programs and training on technology and tools which will embrace immersive and effective teaching and learning methodology.
Curriculum Design: Curriculums should be flexible and adaptive, incorporating AI technologies to enhance learning experiences while prioritising the development of critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Collaboration and Feedback: Regular partnership between educators, AI developers, students, and parents facilitates the integration of AI in education. Feedback loops ensure that AI applications align with educational goals and meet the evolving needs of students.
Parental Engagement: Educating parents about AI’s role in education promotes understanding and support. Collaborative partnerships between schools and parents contribute to students’ holistic development and academic success.

As we move towards futuristic education, the interaction between AI and human touch holds the key to unlocking students’ full potential. By integrating AI’s efficiency and personalisation capabilities with the empathy and mentorship of human teachers, we can create a futuristic curriculum that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world, ensuring they are knowledgeable, emotionally and socially adept. As educators, it is our core duty to embrace a futuristic approach to education, ensuring that every student acquires the exposure and practical skills and providing them with the support necessary to excel in the 21st century.

Views expressed by: Lina Ashar, Founder, Dreamtime Learning

Tamil Nadu Partners with Google to Launch AI Labs in Chennai

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 2, 2024

The Tamil Nadu government has taken a significant step forward in embracing artificial intelligence (AI) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google to explore and advance AI initiatives within the state. As part of this groundbreaking partnership, the state will establish the ‘Tamil Nadu AI Labs’ in Chennai, solidifying its position as a hub for technological innovation.

Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved over the past few years, with nations worldwide striving to harness its potential. India is at the forefront of this movement, and Tamil Nadu’s collaboration with Google marks a pivotal moment in the state’s journey towards AI-driven development. The partnership was announced on Saturday, August 31, by Dr TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, coinciding with Chief Minister MK Stalin’s visit to the United States.

In addition to the MoU with Google, Tamil Nadu has secured agreements with other leading firms, including Nokia, PayPal, and Infinix, to establish new centres in key cities such as Coimbatore, Madurai, and Chennai. These partnerships are expected to enhance the state’s technological landscape further and create a robust ecosystem for AI innovation.

The Tamil Nadu AI Labs facility in Chennai, developed in collaboration with Guidance, the state’s investment agency, will focus on integrating AI technology into startups, MSMEs, and rural communities. This initiative is set to empower 2 million youth through AI training provided via the Naan Mudhalvan upskilling platform, offering mentorship and networking opportunities for startups and enabling MSMEs to access Google Cloud’s AI technology through an open network marketplace.

Amit Zavery, Google Cloud Platform Head, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth and technological progress through AI. We look forward to working together to build a thriving AI ecosystem in Tamil Nadu, one that not only drives innovation and creates opportunities but also empowers individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.”

Also Read: Odisha Empowers Higher Education with PM-USHA Launch

This partnership between Tamil Nadu and Google is poised to transform the state’s digital landscape, positioning it as a leader in AI and innovation. The establishment of the Tamil Nadu AI Labs in Chennai represents a significant leap towards achieving this vision, with the potential to impact industries, education, and the broader economy across the region.

Odisha Empowers Higher Education with PM-USHA Launch

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 2, 2024

The Odisha government has officially launched the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionising higher education across the state. The programme, introduced through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Odisha government and the Union Education Ministry, marks a significant step towards aligning the state’s educational infrastructure with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

₹500 Crore Central Contribution

As part of this initiative, the central government has pledged ₹500 crore towards the development and infrastructure of higher education institutions throughout Odisha. This funding, which covers 60 per cent of the total grants, will be complemented by a 40 per cent contribution from the state government. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, present at the launch, hailed August 31 as a landmark day for Odisha’s educational sector, underscoring the programme’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for NEP 2020.

Key Focus Areas of PM-USHA

PM-USHA is designed to ensure access, equity, and excellence in higher education. The programme focuses on several key areas:

Curriculum Revamping: Updating and modernising the curriculum to meet global standards.
Teacher Training: Enhancing the skills of educators to ensure they are equipped to teach 21st-century competencies.
University Autonomy: Granting more autonomy to state universities to foster innovation and improve educational outcomes.
Infrastructure Development: Upgrading facilities to create world-class institutions within the state.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan emphasised the programme’s ambitious goal to upskill one crore students and transform Odisha into a hub of knowledge and innovation. He also announced plans to grant autonomy to state universities, aligning with the broader vision of sustainable development and regional equity.

Also Read: From Education to Employment: India’s Skill Development Push

The launch of PM-USHA in Odisha represents a pivotal moment in the state’s educational journey. With substantial financial backing and a clear focus on modernising higher education, this initiative is set to position Odisha as a leader in India’s academic landscape, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the global economy.

This SEO-optimized news article highlights Odisha’s commitment to transforming higher education through strategic initiatives like PM-USHA, which aims to bridge the gap between regional and global educational standards.

From Education to Employment: India’s Skill Development Push

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 1, 2024

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), by 2025, over 50% of employees worldwide will need reskilling to stay relevant. In India, this challenge is amplified by the country’s significant demographic dividend—over 65% of the population is under 35. While this youthful population offers a considerable advantage, it also places immense pressure on the education system to equip this workforce with relevant skills. The India Skills Report 2023 reveals that only 48.7% of Indian graduates are employable, slightly improving from 46.2% in 2022. This data highlights the urgent need for an education system prioritising practical, industry-aligned skills over theoretical knowledge.

The demand for industry-ready graduates has never been more pressing as the job market rapidly evolves due to technological advancements and global economic shifts. The Indian government’s strong focus on skill development underscores its commitment to ensuring that the nation’s youth are educated and employable, making skill development in India crucial for bridging the gap between education and employment.

Government Initiatives for Skill Development in India

The Union Budget 2024-25 outlines a strategic plan to achieve ‘Viksit Bharat,’ focusing on nine key priorities, including skill development and employment. Recognising the importance of skilling in nation-building, the budget emphasises equipping India’s young workforce—65% under 35—with industry-relevant skills to boost innovation and productivity.

Key initiatives include a new scheme to skill 20 lakh youth over five years and upgrade 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). The revised Model Skill Loan Scheme will offer loans up to ₹7.5 lakh, benefiting 25,000 students annually, while additional support is provided for higher education loans up to ₹10 lakh. Ongoing programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the National Policy on Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (NPSDE) continue to focus on vocational training, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship.

To boost employment, the government introduced three Employment-Linked Incentive Schemes targeting 4.1 crore youth over five years, offering incentives for job creation and support for both employees and employers. Additionally, a new internship scheme will provide opportunities for one crore youth in 500 top companies.

The budget also addresses women’s workforce participation through initiatives like working women hostels, crèches, and women-specific skilling programs. Overall, the budget aims to prepare India’s youth for a global economy, maximising the nation’s demographic dividend and laying a foundation for sustainable growth.

Recognising the importance of bridging the education-employment gap, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to enhance skill development nationwide. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a flagship program to skill 10 million youth by 2025. This program provides industry-relevant training, preparing candidates for specific job roles. By June 2024, the program had already trained over 8.5 million individuals, with a reported placement rate of 55%.

Another significant initiative is the Skill India Mission, launched in 2015. This mission aims to train over 400 million people by 2025. It has led to the establishment of numerous skill development centres nationwide, offering training in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Collaboration Between Government and Industry

Public-private partnerships (PPP) have been instrumental in making skill development initiatives more effective in India. For example, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with over 1,500 educational institutions to provide vocational training in digital literacy and soft skills. Additionally, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has collaborated with industry giants such as Samsung and IBM to launch specialised training programs in high-demand fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

One notable initiative is Tata STRIVE, which has trained over 500,000 youth in various vocational skills. The success of Tata STRIVE is evident in its employment rates, with over 70% of graduates securing jobs within six months of completing their training.

The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Skill Development

Higher education institutions in India increasingly recognise the need to integrate skill development into their curricula. Leading universities such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have introduced entrepreneurship, digital skills, and industry-specific training courses. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has also mandated internships for engineering students, ensuring they gain hands-on experience before entering the job market.

In Tamil Nadu, Anna University has partnered with Siemens to establish the Siemens Center of Excellence, which provides students with training in advanced manufacturing and automation technologies. This partnership has led to an 85% increase in the employability of university graduates, showcasing the impact of industry collaboration in enhancing education outcomes.

The Impact of Digital Learning Platforms on Skill Development

The rise of digital learning platforms has further democratised access to skill development in India. Platforms such as Coursera, UpGrad, and Byju have enabled students nationwide to access high-quality education and training in various fields. In 2023 alone, Coursera reported a 40% increase in enrollments from India, with popular courses including data science, business analytics, and AI.

Moreover, the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM), launched in 2021, aims to make at least one person in every Indian household digitally literate by 2026. The mission has already reached over 20 million individuals, equipping them with the skills to thrive in a digital economy.

Also Read: Education Ministry Highlights OTR Module at Scholarship Workshop

Challenges and the Road Ahead for Skill Development in India

Despite significant progress, challenges remain in India’s skill development landscape. The education sector continues to grapple with issues such as outdated curricula, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of trained faculty. Additionally, the disparity in access to skill development programs between urban and rural areas remains a concern.

Addressing these challenges requires continuous collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions. The focus should be on creating a more agile education system that can quickly adapt to the changing demands of the job market. Expanding the reach of skill development programs to rural and remote areas is also crucial to ensuring that every young Indian has the opportunity to succeed in the 21st-century job market.

The Future of Skill Development in India

India’s journey towards bridging the gap between education and employment is well underway. With a continued focus on skill development, driven by government initiatives and industry collaboration, India is poised to transform its vast young population into a highly skilled and employable workforce. This transformation will drive economic growth and contribute to the nation’s vision of becoming a global leader in innovation and technology. In conclusion, the future of India’s workforce lies in its ability to adapt, learn, and evolve—skill development is the key to unlocking this potential.

Education Ministry Highlights OTR Module at Scholarship Workshop

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Chetan Tawakley

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August 31, 2024

The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, hosted a national-level workshop on August 28, 2024, in New Delhi to discuss the new features of the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for the academic year 2024-25 under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS). The workshop was presided over by Ms. A. Srija, Economic Adviser, DoSEL, and attended by State Nodal Officers (SNOs) of NMMSS from various States and Union Territories, both in person and virtually. Representatives from the DBT Mission, NIC-National Scholarship Portal (NSP), and UIDAI also participated in the event.

A key focus of the workshop was the introduction of the One Time Registration (OTR) module to the NSP, a feature that will be available to students throughout their academic careers starting from the 2024-25 academic year. The OTR is a unique 14-digit number issued based on an Aadhaar or Enrolment ID, which students must use to apply for scholarships on the NSP. This OTR will remain valid throughout the student’s academic lifecycle, streamlining the application process and reducing the risk of duplicate applications.

During her address, Ms A. Srija emphasised the importance of timely scholarship payments to economically weaker section (EWS) students selected on merit and urged state-level officers to ensure prompt verification of applications on the NSP. She also highlighted the need for proper orientation of parents, teachers, and students on the new OTR feature to facilitate smooth registration for fresh and renewal cases.

Shri Devendra Kumar, Director (DBT Mission), discussed the Aadhaar payment bridge’s integration with the NSP, which ensures secure and efficient disbursement of scholarship funds directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. He also introduced the newly implemented Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) on the NSP and sought feedback from State Nodal Officers for its improvement.

Further insights were provided by Shri Sanjeev Yadav, Director (UIDAI), who advocated for the use of bio-authentication over demographic authentication, presenting a more accurate method for verifying student identities. He introduced an application-based bio-face authentication feature for students and nodal officers involved in the NMMSS, emphasising the importance of Aadhaar-seeded accounts for successful scholarship disbursement.

Also Read: IIT Kanpur Launches Intensive AI and ML Program

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) aims to prevent dropouts at the Class VIII level and encourage students to continue their education up to the secondary stage. Each year, one lakh fresh scholarships are awarded to selected students from Class IX, with the scholarship amount set at ₹12,000 per annum.

This workshop underscored the government’s commitment to improving access to education for deserving students from economically weaker sections, ensuring that the National Scholarship Portal continues to serve as an effective platform for the disbursement of scholarships across the country.

IIT Kanpur Launches Intensive AI and ML Program

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Chetan Tawakley

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August 31, 2024

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has unveiled a new online certificate program in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL). This intensive four-week course, scheduled to run from December 1 to 27, 2024, aims to provide participants with hands-on experience in Python and real-world datasets, offering a comprehensive dive into these advanced technological fields.

The program is designed to cater to a diverse audience, including scholars, students, faculty members, industry professionals, and R&D staff. It aims to enhance their skills and readiness for projects, research, and career opportunities in AI and ML. Exceptional students from Class 11 and 12 with a keen interest in technology are also encouraged to apply.

Participants will engage in problem-solving sessions and prepare for AI, ML, and DL tests, as well as job interviews. The course includes extensive Python-based projects, utilising real-world datasets from various domains such as Business, Medicine, Science, and Engineering. Key tools and packages covered in the course include NUMPY, LINALG, MATPLOTLIB, PANDAS, SCIKIT-LEARN, TENSORFLOW, and KERAS.

Also Read: Deepak Das, IES, Appointed as OSD to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

The program offers tailored benefits for different groups:

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students: The course provides cutting-edge programming skills and AI/ML knowledge, enhancing prospects for placements and thesis projects.
Class 11 and 12 Students: It helps build a solid foundation in Python and AI/ML, laying the groundwork for a future career in technology.
PhD Scholars and Faculty Members: The course offers insights into applying Python and related packages for advanced research, virtual labs, and project guidance in AI/ML technologies.
Industry Professionals: It focuses on upgrading skills in Python AI/ML, emphasising the principles of Module Design and Analysis crucial for industry applications.

Early bird applications for the program close on October 29, with a regular application deadline set for November 19. This certificate course from IIT Kanpur presents a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their expertise in AI and ML, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

Deepak Das, IES, Appointed as OSD to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 30, 2024

The Union Government has appointed Deepak Das, a distinguished 2013-batch officer of the Indian Economic Service (IES), as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan. The appointment, formalised through a circular issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), places Das at the Deputy Secretary level, underscoring the critical role he is expected to play in supporting the Ministry’s strategic initiatives.

Das will serve as OSD for 2 years, 11 months, and 21 days, a tenure that corresponds with the remaining duration of the 4-year term typically allotted for such positions within the Minister’s staff. His tenure will officially begin from the date he assumes charge and will continue either until the end of this specified period, on a co-terminus basis with the Minister, or until further government orders, whichever occurs first. This flexibility ensures that Das’s role is closely aligned with the evolving needs of the Ministry and the directives of the Education Minister.

Throughout his career, Das has demonstrated a strong understanding of economic policy and governance, skills that are particularly valuable as the Ministry of Education continues to navigate the complex challenges of the modern educational environment. His expertise in economic analysis and policy implementation is expected to play a pivotal role in the formulation and execution of educational reforms, especially as the Ministry aims to align its objectives with broader national goals such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Also Read | University of Southampton to Establish First Campus in India Under NEP 2020

Das’s reappointment comes at a time when the Ministry of Education is focusing on several transformative projects, including the implementation of NEP 2020, the digitalisation of education, and the promotion of skill development across the country. His previous experience working closely with the Minister, combined with his expertise in economic policy, positions him uniquely to contribute to these ambitious initiatives.

University of Southampton to Establish First Campus in India Under NEP 2020

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 30, 2024

The Ministry of Education has taken a significant step towards advancing the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by issuing a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the University of Southampton (UoS), UK, for establishing its first campus in India. This announcement was made during the event titled “Internationalization of Education under NEP 2020,” held in New Delhi on August 29, 2024. The occasion was attended by Union Minister for External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar, along with other dignitaries, including Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, and Ms Christina Scott, Deputy High Commissioner, UK in India.

This initiative marks the first issuance of a Letter of Intent under the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in India. The University of Southampton, ranked among the top 100 global higher education institutions, is set to offer Indian students unparalleled access to international education while maintaining a strong connection to Indian values.

Dr. Jaishankar, in his address, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, stating that it reflects India’s commitment to elevating educational standards to global levels and enhancing India-UK educational cooperation. He highlighted that this initiative aligns with the broader India-UK Road Map 2030, fostering international understanding and cooperation.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed his support, noting that this move is a step towards realising the NEP 2020 vision of “internationalisation at home.” He highlighted India’s commitment to fulfilling its global responsibilities and creating a vibrant ecosystem of research, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration. Pradhan extended his congratulations to the University of Southampton for strengthening India-UK relations through this initiative and invited other top international institutions to consider establishing campuses in India.

Also Read | Ministry of Education Rolls Out Second Phase of Learning Disability Training Program

The University of Southampton’s Delhi campus will initially offer programs in business, management, computing, law, engineering, art, design, biosciences, and life sciences, with a 10-year plan for course expansion. This development is expected to significantly enhance India’s reputation as a global study destination, fostering educational collaborations and contributing to the nation’s fast-growing knowledge economy. This initiative is seen as a major step forward in India’s journey towards becoming a global education and talent hub, in line with the goals outlined in NEP 2020.

Education Ministry Refines Literacy Standards to Align with NEP 2020

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 29, 2024

In order to propel India towards its literacy goals, the Department of School Education and Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, has unveiled a refined and comprehensive definition of literacy tailored to the Indian context. This initiative, a crucial step under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.6, which aims to ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030.

Addressing the ULLAS Mela in New Delhi on February 6, 2024, Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised that the ULLAS scheme lays the foundation for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and highlighted the pivotal role of literacy in realising this vision as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The National Education Policy 2020 underscores the importance of innovative government initiatives for adult education. It calls for community involvement and the integration of technology to expedite the nation’s goal of achieving 100% literacy. The policy draws a direct link between literacy rates and per capita GDP, pointing out the numerous disadvantages faced by non-literate individuals, from financial transactions to job applications, understanding media and technology, and participating in higher productivity sectors.

Recognising the need for a clear and inclusive definition of literacy, the Department of School Education and Literacy has expanded the traditional understanding of literacy beyond basic reading and writing skills. Literacy is now defined as “the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, i.e., to identify, understand, interpret, and create, along with critical life skills such as digital literacy, financial literacy, etc.” This updated definition ensures that individuals are equipped to engage in and contribute to society fully.
Additionally, the Department has set a benchmark for what constitutes full literacy within the Indian context, stating that “achieving ninety-five per cent literacy (95%) in a State/UT may be considered equivalent to fully literate.” This enhanced definition was developed through a collaborative process involving experts from NCERT, UNESCO, and other educational advisors. The consensus reached during this process emphasises the need for a literacy framework that meets global standards while being firmly rooted in India’s unique socio-cultural landscape.

The introduction of this comprehensive literacy definition marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward full literacy. It reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to attain foundational skills necessary for personal and societal advancement. The recent achievement of over 97% literacy in the Union Territory of Ladakh under the ULLAS scheme further demonstrates the effectiveness of these efforts. It sets a benchmark for other regions to follow.

The Government of India has called upon all stakeholders to renew their efforts in promoting literacy and to work collaboratively towards the shared goal of a fully literate nation. This initiative represents a critical step in fulfilling the vision outlined in NEP 2020 and ensuring that India continues to make strides towards achieving full literacy by 2030, with ULLAS leading the way to a ‘Jan Jan Saakshar’ (Literate Society).

Government Initiatives for Skill Development in India

Collaboration Between Government and Industry

The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Skill Development

The Impact of Digital Learning Platforms on Skill Development

Challenges and the Road Ahead for Skill Development in India

The Future of Skill Development in India

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