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Journalism of Courage
“Education Is the Most Powerful Weapon You Can Use to Change the World.”- Nelson Mandela
On August 9, 2024, Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan launched several educational initiatives, including Phase 2 of ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala’, ‘Maha Vachan Utsav’, and ‘Majhi Parasbaug’, at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. These programs are part of the state government’s effort to enhance the quality of education and create a more accessible and engaging learning environment. Additionally, the Governor unveiled a logo and QR code for a scheme that facilitates skill development and job opportunities for Maharashtrian youth in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. Partnerships with international organisations such as Goethe Institutes and Brihan Maharashtra Mandal America aim to teach German to Maharashtrian students and promote Marathi in the US.
In Maharashtra, the ‘Shala Darshans’ initiative is focused on transforming schools into hubs of innovation and learning. The ‘Maharashtra Samagra Shiksha’ program aims to improve elementary education and reduce dropout rates, ensuring inclusivity in the foundational stages of learning. Digital tools are at the forefront with the E-Scholarship Program, which enables students to apply for financial aid online. The Maharashtra Career Centres provide career counselling and guidance to help students make informed decisions about their future.
Furthermore, the government has taken an innovative step by adjusting school timings to prioritise student health and improving sleep patterns for better cognitive function and academic performance. India’s educational journey symbolises resilience and evolution, consistently striving for inclusiveness, excellence, and creativity.
The introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2024 marks a transformative milestone, building upon the foundation laid by NEP 2020. A pivotal change in the policy is the replacement of the traditional 10+2 structure with a 5+3+3+4 framework, which divides education into foundational (ages 3-8), preparatory (ages 8-11), middle (ages 11-14), and secondary (ages 14-18) stages. This framework emphasizes age-appropriate developmental needs while fostering creativity and critical thinking. The integration of coding and computational thinking into the middle school curriculum prepares students for future-oriented professions, including artificial intelligence, data science, and other advanced fields.
NEP 2024 also underscores vocational education, with students in grades 6-8 gaining practical exposure through internships with local professionals. The policy’s elimination of rigid Arts, Science, and Commerce divisions enables interdisciplinary studies and personalised educational pathways, ensuring flexibility and creativity in learning.
With technology as a cornerstone, NEP 2024 introduces virtual labs through the DIKSHA portal, providing realistic simulations and equal opportunities for all learners. Regionalised e-content promotes inclusivity by supporting native language learning, honouring India’s linguistic diversity.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, the Indian government showcased its commitment to education by allocating an unprecedented Rs 73,498 crore to the Department of School Education and Literacy, marking a significant 19.56 per cent increase from the previous year. This boost underscores the focus on enhancing educational infrastructure and accessibility. Furthermore, Rs 47,619.77 crore was allocated to the Department of Higher Education, supporting targeted initiatives like PRERNA, SWAYAM Plus, PM-Vidyalaxmi, APAAR, and ONOS (One Nation One Subscription). These programs highlight a dual strategy aimed at grassroots empowerment and equipping the higher education sector for global competitiveness.
ONOS (One Nation One Subscription) seeks to bridge knowledge disparities by providing equitable access to academic journals and articles. Scheduled for implementation between 2025 and 2027, the initiative has earmarked a substantial three-year budget of Rs 6,000 crore to bolster higher education and research capabilities. While ONOS is a progressive step toward equitable knowledge access, concerns about sustainability, budgetary constraints, and outreach to rural and regional colleges need to be addressed to maximise its impact.
However, some systemic issues such as unequal access, regional disparities, and infrastructure gaps remain significant concerns. In addition, training and retaining teachers require urgent attention. The lack of an adequate number of trained teachers, especially in rural areas, undermines even the best efforts. Policymakers should address these issues holistically to sustain the momentum.
Need to expand Accessibility and Inclusivity
Programs like Shala Darshans, aimed at transforming schools into innovation hubs, must be implemented uniformly across urban and rural areas. Modernising school infrastructure and incorporating digital tools can bridge gaps in access to quality education. Initiatives like E-scholarship and PM-Vidyalaxmi, which provide financial aid to students, should be accompanied by financial literacy programs and expanded outreach to ensure that students from economically weaker sections can fully benefit from these opportunities without long-term debt burdens.
Technology and skill development must be integrated
Collaborations such as teaching German through Goethe Institutes and Marathi in the US must be expanded to promote global exposure and cultural exchange. Programs like SWAYAM Plus can be tailored to Pune’s industrial strengths by fostering partnerships with local IT, manufacturing, and engineering firms. Incorporating coding and computational thinking into the curriculum, as envisioned in the NEP 2024, will prepare students for future-oriented careers in AI, data science, and other emerging fields.
Prioritise student well-being and teacher training
Adjusting school timings, as part of the sleep-focused initiative, should be expanded state-wide, supported by research on its benefits for students’ health and academic performance. Simultaneously, continuous teacher training programs can enable educators to adopt innovative pedagogical approaches, ensuring alignment with modern educational needs.
Enhance global and local collaborations
Maharashtra can leverage initiatives like ONOS to democratise access to global knowledge resources. Pune, as an educational hub, can act as a pilot city for these programs, showcasing how international collaborations and research-focused initiatives can elevate the state’s education standards. Efforts to integrate global best practices, along with region-specific adaptations, will further empower students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive world.
Prof (Dr) Geeta Shinde is HOD of the Department of Education and Extension at Savitribai Phule Pune University
