Non-Scheduled Languages encompass all other languages spoken in India that lack official recognition. On Saturday, the Union education ministry introduced 52 concise textbooks in Indian non-scheduled languages, which include tribal languages. This initiative, aimed at early childhood care and education (ECCE), strives to grant young learners access to education in their native tongues.
The primers, concise books aimed at introducing subjects to students, were launched by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. These primers were prepared by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in partnership with the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru. Non-Scheduled Languages encompass all other languages spoken in India that lack official recognition.
“The 52 primers in Indian languages have paved the way for the beginning of a new civilisational renaissance. These initiatives will create a seamless and futuristic learning landscape, promote learning in Indian languages, realise the vision of NEP 2020 and holistically transform school education,” the minister said.
The initiative aligns with the government’s endeavor to foster Indian languages in education across all levels, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The ministry mentioned in a statement, “The primers will initiate an inspirational journey for young minds, paving the way for deeper understanding, lifelong learning, more familiarity and rooted beds in indigenous culture and greater success in academics and beyond.”
Sanjay Kumar, the secretary of school education, emphasized the recommendation outlined in the NEP 2020 to achieve a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 100% at the secondary level by 2030. He added saying, “The department is committed to fulfilling that. The new textbooks are for Classes 3-12, some of which have already been developed and the remaining ones will also be brought out soon. The 52 Primers were developed following the suggestions of Shri Pradhan.”
