India’s NIPUN Bharat Mission Takes Bold Steps to Ensure Foundational Learning for All Children

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places the highest priority on achieving universal acquisition of foundational literacy and numeracy skills at the primary level by 2025. Foundational learning, which includes basic literacy and numeracy skills, is considered the cornerstone for a child’s future education. Failing to acquire these essential skills, such as reading with comprehension, writing, and basic mathematical operations, leaves a child unprepared for the more complex curriculum beyond grade III. To address this critical issue, the NIPUN Bharat Mission has been launched with various initiatives.
Key Initiatives under NIPUN Bharat Mission:
Constitution of National Steering Committee: A National Steering Committee has been established to oversee the implementation of the NIPUN Bharat Mission.
Development of Vidya Pravesh Guidelines and Module for Grade I: Guidelines and modules have been developed to provide structured foundational learning in Grade I.
Launch of NISHTHA-FLN: The NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) program has included a component for foundational learning (NISHTHA-FLN) to train teachers and school heads from preschool to Grade V.
Launch of NISHTHA ECCE: NISHTHA ECCE focuses on master trainers and resource persons who will train preschool teachers and Anganwadi workers.
Conduct of Foundational Learning Study (FLS): A study has been conducted to assess the foundational learning levels of students.
Creation of DIKSHA FLN Portal: The DIKSHA portal provides access to foundational learning resources for teachers and students.
100 Days Reading Campaign: A campaign has been organized to promote reading among students.
Guidelines for Parent Participation in Home-based Learning: Guidelines have been developed to encourage parental involvement in their children’s foundational learning during school closures and beyond.
Guidelines for Community Engagement in Foundational Learning: Guidelines aim to involve the community in supporting foundational learning.
Training of Academic Task Force (ATF) and District Task Force Members (DTFs): Members of academic and district task forces have been trained to contribute to the mission’s success.
National Conference on Initiatives in Foundational Learning: This conference allows for the exchange of best practices and the sharing of challenges in foundational learning.
Continuous Tracking and Monitoring: Monthly, quarterly, and annual monitoring is carried out in all states and union territories to ensure the mission’s progress.
Tracking Progress with Indicators:
The progress of the NIPUN Bharat Mission is tracked using 22 indicators, including academic and administrative indicators. Academic indicators include the development of teaching-learning materials, Vidya Pravesh implementation, NISHTHA FLN training, and ATF training. Administrative indicators cover the establishment of state and district steering committees and Project Management Units (PMUs), along with the designation of State Mission Directors.
Vidya Pravesh has been implemented in 33 states and union territories, and NISHTHA FLN training has been conducted in 33 states and union territories. Resources for teachers and children on foundational learning have been developed by 27 and 28 states/union territories, respectively. Academic Task Forces have been formed by 35 states and union territories.
The Ministry of Education has conducted a 12-day national-level training program for all ATF members. State Steering Committees have been set up in 36 states and union territories, State Mission Directors have been designated in 35 states/union territories, and 30 states/union territories have established their State Project Management Units (SPMU).
The NIPUN Bharat Mission aims to ensure that every child in India acquires essential foundational skills, setting the stage for a brighter educational future.
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