The education sector in India has witnessed significant transformations under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since assuming office in 2014, PM Modi has prioritized reforms aimed at modernizing education, enhancing access to quality learning, and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. The evolving landscape of education during his tenure reflects his vision of a self-reliant, globally competitive India, with an emphasis on innovation, skill development, and inclusivity. Here’s a look at some of the most notable changes and initiatives in India’s education system under PM Modi’s leadership.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
One of the first major steps taken by PM Modi’s government to improve India’s education landscape was the introduction of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2015. NIRF ranks higher educational institutions across various parameters such as teaching, learning, research, and overall performance. This initiative not only brought transparency to the system but also encouraged institutions to enhance their infrastructure and curriculum, fostering a competitive spirit among them. It has become a valuable tool for students to make informed decisions about their higher education choices.
Revamping of the Curriculum and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
A landmark achievement during PM Modi’s tenure was the unveiling of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy, the first major revision of India’s educational framework since 1986, aims to make India’s education system more holistic, flexible, and aligned with global trends. Some key highlights of the NEP include:
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): Emphasizing the importance of foundational learning from a young age, the NEP pushes for universal access to quality early childhood education.
- Multidisciplinary Learning: The policy encourages a shift from rigid subject boundaries to a more flexible, multidisciplinary approach that allows students to choose subjects from diverse fields, making education more customized.
- Focus on Skills and Vocational Training: The NEP calls for integrating vocational education with mainstream schooling and higher education, with an emphasis on skills development to prepare students for the workforce.
- Technology Integration: The policy advocates for the use of technology in education, with a focus on enhancing digital literacy and bridging the digital divide.
Increase in Budget for Education
Under PM Modi’s leadership, there has been a significant increase in the budget allocated to the education sector. The Union Budget for Education has seen steady hikes, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, quality, and access to education. For instance, in the 2021-2022 Union Budget, the education budget was increased to ₹93,224 crore (approximately 3% of GDP), signifying a focus on revamping the sector.
Digital Education and E-Learning Initiatives
The rapid shift to digital education has been one of the most prominent changes in the education system during PM Modi’s tenure. The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, laid the groundwork for several key projects aimed at making education accessible through technology:
- SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds): This platform offers free online courses from prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs, allowing students across the country to learn without geographical constraints.
- DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing): Aimed at enhancing the quality of school education, DIKSHA provides digital content to teachers and students and has become a vital tool for e-learning, especially during the pandemic.
- PM eVIDYA: Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative consolidated all digital learning platforms under one umbrella. It provided access to a range of online learning tools, including TV channels, apps, and educational content, making education accessible even in remote areas.
- National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER): An initiative that provides free access to educational resources, which has been especially useful in bridging gaps in remote learning.
Promotion of Innovation and Research
During PM Modi’s tenure, there has been a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and research across educational institutions. The government has taken steps to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation through initiatives such as:
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Launched in 2016, AIM promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in schools, universities, and other institutions through the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centers.
- Research Grants and Funding: The government has significantly increased funding for research and development, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, with the aim of making Indian institutions globally competitive in the field of research.
Skill Development and Vocational Training
Another cornerstone of PM Modi’s education reform agenda has been the promotion of skill development. The government’s Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, has worked towards equipping youth with industry-relevant skills. The mission focuses on creating a skilled workforce through initiatives like:
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): This flagship scheme provides skill training and certification to young people, enabling them to secure better employment opportunities.
- National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): Aimed at providing practical experience to students, NAPS encourages companies to employ and train apprentices in various trades.
- Integrating Skills into Education: The NEP 2020 also emphasizes the integration of vocational education into mainstream education, ensuring that students acquire skills alongside academic knowledge.
Increased Focus on Inclusivity and Gender Equality
PM Modi’s government has also worked towards making education more inclusive. The government has introduced various policies to ensure that marginalized groups, including girls and children from rural areas, have access to quality education:
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: This initiative, aimed at improving the status of girls in India, encourages parents to educate their daughters and ensures gender equality in education.
- Accessible Education for Disabled Students: Various schemes, including scholarships and reservations, have been introduced to encourage students with disabilities to pursue higher education.
- SABLA Scheme: Targeting adolescent girls, this initiative ensures that they receive education and vocational training, helping them build skills for future employment.
Globalization of Indian Education
The Modi government has also emphasized the internationalization of Indian education. The initiative to encourage foreign universities to set up campuses in India and attract international students has made India a more attractive educational destination. Additionally, the Study in India program promotes India as a hub for international students, encouraging cross-cultural exchanges and collaborations in research and education.
