Union Minister for Education Shri Pralhad Joshi graced the 66th Foundation Day celebrations of NCERT at its headquarters in New Delhi. The Minister emphasized NCERT's six-decade role in the Indian education system through textbooks, learning materials, and curriculum frameworks. He highlighted how the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides a framework for school education reforms focusing on holistic development, creativity, critical thinking, experiential learning, and competency-based education.
NCERT's specific contributions include developing the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022, National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, and new textbooks for Grades 1 to 9. The institution is preparing textbooks for Grades 1 to 8 in all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, along with 121 primers in different Indian languages including 93 tribal languages. The new textbooks integrate Indian Knowledge Systems while making learning more engaging and relevant.
The Minister emphasized the need for NCERT to strengthen its research ecosystem and technology use, particularly regarding Artificial Intelligence in education. He noted the importance of equipping learners with digital literacy, AI awareness, critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills, while also addressing student mental well-being through curricular interventions, psychosocial support, and teacher training.
Several new facilities were inaugurated including the Robotics Learning Centre, Translation Lab, upgraded Television Studio, newly constructed Gate No. 2 complex, and a theme park. These facilities will support technology-enabled learning, education in Indian languages, and educational content development. The event featured the release of a Coffee Table Book titled 'Flora and Fauna at NCERT' and an exhibition showcasing NCERT's initiatives including curriculum framework development, Jaadui Pitara, and digital education platforms such as PM eVIDYA, DIKSHA, and eJaadui Pitara.
Senior officials present included Chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti Dr. Chamu Krishna Shastry, NCERT Director Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, and officials from the Ministry of Education and NCERT. This content may not be financially relevant.