Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DH
Context: The Ministry of Education (MoE) has instructed schools and higher education institutions, including regulators like UGC, AICTE, NCERT, NIOS, IGNOU, and prominent educational institutions, to provide digital study material for all courses in Indian languages within the next three years.
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes multilingualism at all education levels. Article 350 A of the Constitution mandates education in the mother tongue for children from linguistic minority groups at the primary stage. The Right to Education Act 2009 recommends using the mother tongue as the medium of instruction whenever possible.
Initiatives in Education:
| Initiative | Description |
| PM e-Vidya | A comprehensive initiative under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (2020) for digital/online/on-air education. Offers multi-mode access to education for students across all states at no cost. |
| Anuvadini (AI based App) | Translation of Engineering, Medical, Law, UG, PG, and Skill books through an AI-based app. |
| e-KUMBH Portal | Launched by AICTE to provide free access to technical education books in various Indian languages. |
| DIKSHA Portal | Offers study material for school education in over 30 Indian languages. |
| Bhasha Sagar Project | A project aimed at developing a mobile application and a web-based platform for learning Indian languages. |
| Natural Language Translation | A mission facilitating access to teaching and research material across all regional languages. |
| Sathee Portal | Developed in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, this portal assists students preparing for competitive exams nationwide, including in their native language |
Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (UPSC 2012)
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Rural and Urban Local Bodies
- Fifth Schedule
- Sixth Schedule
- Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: D
Mains Links
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (UPSC 2020)
