Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region Dr. Sukanta Majumdar on Thursday said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is laying the foundation for an inclusive, skill-centric and future-ready education system, while stressing the need for stronger implementation of centrally sponsored schemes to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing the concluding session of the two-day Conclave of State and Union Territory Education Ministers at the ICAR–National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC) in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted the transformative role of NEP 2020 in reshaping school education across the country.
Majumdar emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between the Centre and the States and Union Territories to address existing challenges and ensure that every child, teacher and school is empowered to realise its full potential. He said the effective implementation of centrally sponsored schemes is essential for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Highlighting initiatives aimed at improving children’s well-being, the Minister underlined the importance of the PM POSHAN Scheme and Tithi Bhojan in enhancing the nutritional status of schoolchildren, particularly those from marginalised communities. He urged States and Union Territories to continue strengthening school education through coordinated efforts with sustained focus on quality, equity and inclusion.
The second day of the conclave focused on key components of the Samagra Shiksha programme and the PM POSHAN Scheme under the PRAGATI platform. The sessions included presentations by senior officials of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), followed by suggestions and inputs from Education Ministers and officials of States and Union Territories.
An open-house discussion was also held on strengthening the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes, sharing best practices and improving learning outcomes in school education.
According to the Ministry of Education, the conclave provided a platform for the Centre and the States and Union Territories to exchange experiences, deliberate on implementation challenges and identify opportunities for improving the delivery of centrally sponsored schemes.
The deliberations reaffirmed the collective commitment of the Centre and States towards ensuring equitable, inclusive and quality school education for every learner while accelerating progress towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
During the conclave, Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Dheeraj Sahu made a presentation on the PM SHRI scheme, while Additional Secretary Archana Sharma Awasthi presented on ULLAS. Economic Advisor A. Srija spoke on inclusive education, Joint Secretary Prachi Pandey presented on skill education, and Joint Secretary Asheesh Joshi gave a presentation on PM POSHAN. Joint Secretary Dr. Amarpreet Duggal and other senior officials of the Union Ministry of Education also attended the conclave.
