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NIPUN Bharat Mission: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes

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Why in news

The Ministry of Education provided an update on the NIPUN Bharat Mission, launched in 2021 to ensure foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) for every child by Class 2. The mission aligns with NEP 2020 and is being implemented across all states and UTs under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

Background

NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) was launched on 5 July 2021 by the Department of School Education and Literacy. It targets universal FLN by 2026-27, focusing on the foundational stage (ages 3-8) under the 5+3+3+4 curricular structure.

Key facts

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  1. NIPUN Bharat Mission launched on 5 July 2021 under Samagra Shiksha, aligned with NEP 2020.

  2. Aims for every child to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by end of Class 2.

  3. First time children aged 3-6 years included in school system via Balvatika (3 years) plus Classes 1-2.

  4. Vidya Pravesh: a 3-month play-based school preparation module for Class 1, launched 29 July 2021.

  5. Over 5 crore students in 8.8 lakh schools benefited from Vidya Pravesh since 2022-23.

  6. Jadui Pitara: a box of 53 teaching-learning materials for ages 3-6, launched 20 Feb 2023.

  7. Jadui Pitara translated into 22 languages; includes trainer handbook 'Unmukh'.

  8. E-Jadui Pitara: mobile app and website for ages 3-8, launched 10 Feb 2024.

  9. States receive financial assistance under Samagra Shiksha based on annual work plans approved by Project Approval Board (PAB).

  10. Funds released subject to conditions like expenditure progress, state share receipt, audited accounts.

Prelims pointers

  • NIPUN Bharat Mission (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy)
  • Launched: 5 July 2021
  • Ministry: Ministry of Education (DoSEL)
  • Scheme: Samagra Shiksha (Centrally Sponsored Scheme)
  • Target: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) by Class 2
  • Age group: 3-6 years (Balvatika) and 6-8 years (Classes 1-2)
  • Curricular structure: 5+3+3+4 (NEP 2020)
  • Vidya Pravesh: 3-month play-based module for Class 1
  • Jadui Pitara: teaching-learning materials for ages 3-6
  • E-Jadui Pitara: mobile app/website for ages 3-8

Mains angles

  • GS2: Government policies and interventions for education; NEP 2020 implementation
  • GS2: Issues relating to development and management of social sector/services (education)
  • GS2: Role of Samagra Shiksha in achieving universal FLN
  • GS1: Social empowerment through early childhood education