NIPUN Bharat Mission

3.NIPUN Bharat Mission: The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 shows improvement in foundational learning outcomes, especially in Grade III across Indian states.

  • About: The National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) is a scheme under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. 

o NIPUN Bharat Mission transformed early-grade classrooms by focusing on literacy and numeracy.

  • Real-Life Impact:

o Uttar Pradesh: Ravi Sharma, a primary teacher, uses songs to teach math.

o Odisha: Second-grader Shragatika Ghosh confidently reads Odia stories aloud.

  • ASER 2024 Data on Learning Gains:

o UP: Grade III students' ability to read Grade II texts rose from 24% to 34% (2022-2024).

o Subtraction skills improved from 29% to 41%.

o Odisha: Colourful, contextualized workbooks contributed to similar gains.

o Nationally: Millions more children can read and solve basic math problems.

  • Need for NIPUN 2.0: Extend NIPUN Bharat to 2030 (NIPUN 2.0) to sustain and expand gains.

o Focus on: Grades III–V to bridge early learning & higher-order skills, and early Childhood Education (ECE) for preschool readiness.

  • About the evolution of India's Education Policies:

o NNPE 1986: Focused on education for all, primary education, and open universities.

o POA PE 1968: Based on Kothari Commission's recommendations.

o 1992: Emphasized early childhood care and universal elementary education.