Delhi, 29 July (H.S.): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan , inaugurated the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2025 in New Delhi, celebrating the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The event gathered academicians, policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and government officials to review advancements under NEP 2020 and to plan future directions. Age Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary; Dr. Sukanta Majumdar; and Education Ministers from 13 States/UTs attended, alongside several notable figures from various educational bodies.
The ceremony began with floral tributes to Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. Kasturirangan, the chairman of NEP 2020's drafting committee, followed by a welcome song by Kendriya Vidyalaya students. Shri Jayant Chaudhary shared the Prime Minister's message commemorating NEP 2020's fifth anniversary.
Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his good wishes for the successful implementation of NEP 2020, emphasizing its transformative vision crafted by Prime Minister Modi, positioning education as central to India’s growth narrative. He asserted that NEP 2020 signifies a national mission for the impending vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” marking a significant paradigm shift in how education is approached, cognizant of Indian ethos focusing on scientific education, innovation, and the nation's cultural systems.
The Minister underscored that Viksit Bharat is not just an aspiration but a call to action, with NEP 2020 serving as a vital instrument in realizing this dream. He urged stakeholders to ensure that classrooms evolve into spaces for meaningful learning, enabling the potential of every child. Pradhan concluded by stating that ABSS signifies a collective expression of commitment towards developing India, encouraging collective and proactive engagement in implementing NEP 2020.
During the event, he launched multiple initiatives by the Department of School Education and Literacy as well as the Department of Higher Education. In terms of infrastructure, he laid foundation stones for several new buildings and facilities. These included the inauguration of multiple dormitories and staff quarters at various Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, the foundation for a CBSE Regional Office in Patna, and various Kendra Vidyalayas.
The event also highlighted critical schemes initiated by the Prime Minister, such as the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), aimed at uplifting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through educational and infrastructural improvements. The initiative includes constructing 500 hostels to create supportive learning environments for PVTG students, with significant funding already allocated.
Another prominent initiative, DA-JGUA, targets over 63,000 tribal villages, aiming to enhance educational access and promote qualitative learning through the construction of hostels, with ongoing approvals and funding supporting these objectives.
Pradhan enumerated numerous projects, including the dedication of 22 KVS projects to the nation and the identification of high-performing schools within the PM SHRI program for national acknowledgment. Two notable digital platforms, the TARA App and My Career Advisor App, were also launched. The TARA App aims to enhance education governance and reading fluency assessments for students in grades 3-8 through automated evaluations and real-time monitoring, thereby enabling structured teaching based on data insights.
The My Career Advisor App offers personalized career guidance for students, featuring an expansive database of career pathways and a recommendation engine to match students with suitable options based on their interests and aptitudes. This tool is designed to support not only students but also teachers and advisors, fulfilling NEP 2020's vision for a holistic educational framework.
Lastly, the Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating (SHVR) was introduced, employing a five-star rating system to evaluate schools based on sustainability indicators across various categories. This initiative emphasizes environmental responsibility and promotes building a healthier and more resource-efficient school environment.
ABSS 2025 thus emerges as a multifaceted event emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in the Indian educational landscape. It aims to pave the way for systematic growth in the nation’s education sector, aligning closely with the holistic goals set forth by NEP 2020.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
