NCERT Attains Deemed University Status

• 05 Sep 2023

For Prelims: National Council of Educational Research and Training, Deemed-to-be-University, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, De novo Category.

For Mains: Deemed University Status and its Benefits, Reforms in Indian Education System.

Source:PIB

Why in News?

The 63^rd Foundation Day of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) was recently observed in New Delhi, accompanied by the notable achievement of NCERT being granted the esteemed Deemed-to-be-University status.

What are the Major Highlights of the Event?

• 'Jadui Pitara' Revolutionizes Early Education:
  • At the event, a play-based educational resource named 'Jadui Pitara' received acclaim for its suitability for children aged 3 to 8.
    • With the capacity to positively impact a staggering 100 million children across the country, 'Jadui Pitara' is positioned to play a crucial role in revolutionizing the field of education.
• Promotion of Mother Tongue and Integration of Advanced Technologies:
  • In an effort to preserve and promote regional languages, emphasis was placed on the critical importance of developing educational content in mother tongues.
    • Additionally, it was highlighted that NCERT is committed to developing educational materials in all 22 languages with the help of software like Anuvadini.
  • A visionary proposal was made for the establishment of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence laboratories in all seven regional centers under the aegis of NCERT.
    • The ultimate goal is to equip these centers with state-of-the-art global technologies, thereby nurturing an environment conducive to innovation and advanced research.
• Standardization of Teacher Training and Readiness for Industry 4.0:
  • The event called to standardize the teacher training curriculum, aligning it with the principles of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) framework.
  • With a focus on preparing India's youth for the challenges posed by Industry 4.0, a proposal was made to create concise booklets covering contemporary topics such as India's Covid-19 Pandemic management and Chandrayaan 3.
    • The aim is to keep the younger generations informed about the latest developments while instilling Indian values and ethos.

What is NCERT?

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training is an autonomous organization that was established in 1961 under the Societies Registration Act.
  • It is the apex body for advising the central and state governments on matters related to school education.
• It undertakes various activities and programmes related tp:
  • Educational research and innovation
  • Curriculum development and revision
  • Development of textbooks and other teaching-learning materials
  • Teacher education and professional development
  • Educational evaluation and assessment
  • International cooperation in education
• As per the National Education Policy(NEP) 2020, NCERT is the nodal agency to develop National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs) for: Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), School Education, and Adult Education.

What is a Deemed University?

• About:
  • A deemed university is an institution of higher education that is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
    • It is not established or incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature, but is conferred the status of a university by the central government on the recommendation of the UGC.
  • A deemed university enjoys academic autonomy and can design its own courses, syllabi, admission criteria, fee structure, faculty recruitment and examination system.
• De Novo Category:
  • The NCERT has been granted the deemed university status under the ‘de novo’ category, which means that it has been recognised for its excellence in a new or emerging area of knowledge.
    • De-novo Institution means an institution devoted to innovations in teaching and research in unique and “emerging areas of knowledge” such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, space science, etc.
• Benefits of Getting the Deemed University Status:
  • They can also launch new courses and programmes that are relevant to the changing needs and demands of the education sector without having to seek approval from any other authority.
  • They can collaborate with national and international universities and institutions for academic exchange, research projects, faculty development and student mobility.
  • They can attract more students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and regions, as well as more funding from various sources.
  • They can play a more active role in implementing the NEP 2020, which envisages a transformation of the school education system in India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Regarding Wood’s Dispatch, which of the following statements are true? (2018)

1. Grants-in-Aid system was introduced.
2. Establishment of universities was recommended.
3. English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)