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This is an archive article published on June 23, 2023

New Balbharati textbooks arrive sans QR codes linked to digital content

Expressing disappointment, Disale said, “The QR codes really helped children. During the pandemic it was a working alternative for children to learn at their convenience.”

New Balbharati textbooks, Balbharati QR codes, QR codes for digital content, NCERT, Maharashtra education department, Balbharati textbooks row, indian express, indian expressThe QR codes in textbooks were linked to engaging audio-visual content related to specific topics in chapters, and students could easily access this supplementary learning material . (Express photo)
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The new integrated Balbharati textbooks that students have received no longer have QR codes printed on them. It was these codes via which students and teachers could access digital content related to that specific lesson.

The QR codes in textbooks were linked to engaging audio-visual content related to specific topics in chapters, and students could easily access this supplementary learning material.

According to teachers, even though it was just supplementary material, it was an effective learning tool for children. “If a child has not understood a concept, he/she could access the QR code at home at a convenient time and could re-learn at his/her own pace. It would also help them revise at home,” said a teacher. Despite several options in digital content, many relied on these QR codes as they were linked to Balbharati textbooks. “For students, if learning material is given with textbooks, it is deemed an authentic source,” added another teacher.

This novel system of QR code was developed and first used by global-award winning teacher Ranjintsinh Disale for his students in a Zilla Parishad school in Solapur. In 2016, the state government decided to implement it as a pilot project in a class, and then based on its success it was extended to all classes in the academic year 2017-18 ,with an announcement by the state’s education department. But now that QR codes are omitted from the textbooks, there was no notification regarding this.

Explaining why QR codes have not been printed in the new textbooks, Director of the Balbharati, Krishnakumar Patil, said, “The new integrated textbooks have a different format than that of old textbooks. In some lessons, the content has changed so the digital content on QR code wouldn’t have matched. Additionally, many QR codes led to dead links as digital content was not available for all lessons. Balbharati is now working on creating revised digital content separately.”

Expressing disappointment, Disale said, “The QR codes really helped children. During the pandemic it was a working alternative for children to learn at their convenience.” Disagreeing that there is no content on QR codes, Disale said, “Many codes were linked to DIKSHA – educational e-content platform where Maharashtra is among the top few states in generating e-content. The state has also started e-Balbharati to create digital content for learning.”

Pallavi Smart is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, Mumbai Bureau. Her reporting is singularly focused on the education sector, demonstrating exceptional Expertise and Authority across the entire spectrum of learning, from foundational schooling to advanced higher education. She is a highly Trustworthy source for policy, institutional developments, and systemic issues affecting students, teachers, and parents in Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Role: As a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, her designation reflects her seniority, specialized knowledge, and the editorial rigor applied to her reporting. Core Authority & Specialization: Pallavi Smart is the definitive voice for Education news in the region. Her coverage scope is comprehensive: Policy and Regulatory Changes: Reports on major shifts in educational policy, including the restructuring of entrance exams (e.g., MHT-CET adopting the JEE Main model), the draft regulatory framework for coaching classes, and revised teacher recruitment processes. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): Provides in-depth reporting on prestigious institutes like IIT Bombay and TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), covering institutional initiatives, administrative debates (e.g., renaming IIT Bombay), and student welfare programs (e.g., mandatory mental health courses). Teachers and Eligibility: Covers crucial issues affecting the teaching fraternity, such as the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for in-service teachers and related controversies and application numbers. Student Welfare & Rights: Focuses on issues concerning students, including the rollout of government scholarships, the financial strain on schools due to midday meal reimbursement delays, and instances of child rights violations (e.g., the Powai studio hostage crisis). Admissions and Vacancy: Tracks the outcome of centralized admission processes (e.g., MBBS, BPharm) and analyzes vacancy concerns, providing essential data-driven insights for parents and students. Credentials & Trustworthiness Dedicated Beat: Her consistent focus on the "KG to PG" education beat allows her to develop unparalleled subject matter knowledge, ensuring her reports are accurate, detailed, and contextualized. Proactive Reporting: Her articles frequently break news on policy and institutional planning, providing the public with timely, essential information about a sector that directly impacts millions of families. She tweets @Pallavi_Smart ... Read More

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