India’s education sector is undergoing transformative changes through multiple policy-level and programmatic interventions. With education being part of the Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution, both the Centre and the States play a critical role in shaping its direction. This article discusses the major Government Initiatives Related To Educational Reforms, focusing on their objectives, structure, and impact.

National Education Policy 2020: A Foundational Reform

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the cornerstone of all government initiatives related to educational reforms in recent years. It replaces the 1986 policy and presents a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education from the school to higher education level.

Key Features of NEP 2020

• Proposes a new 5+3+3+4 school structure instead of the traditional 10+2 system.
  
  
• Emphasizes mother tongue/regional language as the medium of instruction until Grade 5.
  
  
• Focus on experiential learning, critical thinking, and vocational training.
  
  
• Seeks to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035.
  
  
• Introduces Academic Bank of Credits, multiple entry-exit options in higher education.
  
  

NEP 2020 is one of the most comprehensive government initiatives related to educational reforms, aimed at aligning India’s education system with 21st-century needs.

National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023

The National Curriculum Framework 2023 is an essential instrument for implementing NEP 2020 on the ground. It guides the development of textbooks, syllabi, and teaching methods.

Goals of NCF 2023

• Promote foundational literacy and numeracy.
  
  
• Enable flexibility and choice in learning.
  
  
• Encourage inclusive and value-based education.
  
  
• Support development of life skills and employability.
  
  

It forms the pedagogical backbone of government initiatives related to educational reforms by promoting age-appropriate and experiential learning.

APAAR: One Nation, One Student ID

The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) is a unique digital ID system for students in India. It is part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ vision under NEP 2020.

Highlights of APAAR

• Every student is assigned a lifetime identification number.
  
  
• Facilitates seamless academic tracking, including achievements, assessments, and credits.
  
  
• Enhances portability of education records across states and institutions.
  
  

APAAR modernizes student record-keeping and is a key tech-based government initiative related to educational reforms.

PM eVIDYA Programme: A Unified Digital Learning Platform

Launched as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the PM eVIDYA Programme merges all digital education initiatives into one umbrella.

Components of PM eVIDYA

• DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing)
  
  
• SWAYAM for higher education
  
  
• TV Channels for Classes 1 to 12 (One Class, One Channel)
  
  
• Radio and Community Radio broadcasting
  
  
• Online courses on MOOCs
  
  

It ensures equitable access to education through various platforms and is an inclusive government initiative related to educational reforms.

Samagra Shiksha: Integrated School Education Scheme

Samagra Shiksha is the flagship scheme for school education, covering pre-school to senior secondary levels.

Objectives

• Improve quality and equity in school education.
  
  
• Bridge gender and social gaps.
  
  
• Promote digital learning and vocational education.
  
  
• Strengthen infrastructure in rural and tribal areas.
  
  

This scheme consolidates earlier programs like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education into a single umbrella.

NISHTHA: Teacher Training and Capacity Building

NISHTHA stands for the National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement. It is a nation-wide professional development program for teachers.

Scope of NISHTHA

• Training for teachers, school heads, and master trainers.
  
  
• Covers Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) to secondary level.
  
  
• Delivered via online and offline platforms.
  
  
• Focus on pedagogical improvement, digital skills, and inclusive education.
  
  

It is a significant capacity-building government initiative related to educational reforms targeting educator quality.

STARS Programme: Reform at the State Level

The Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) program is a World Bank-assisted initiative to support six states:

• Himachal Pradesh
  
  
• Kerala
  
  
• Madhya Pradesh
  
  
• Maharashtra
  
  
• Odisha
  
  
• Rajasthan
  
  

Goals of STARS

• Improve school governance and performance
  
  
• Enhance data-driven decision-making
  
  
• Develop assessment systems and accountability
  
  
• Strengthen learning outcomes
  
  

STARS emphasizes decentralized reform, making it a state-focused yet national-level government initiative related to educational reforms.

Conclusion

The Government Initiatives Related To Educational Reforms reflect a bold vision to revamp India's education landscape. From policy overhauls like NEP 2020 and NCF 2023, to tech-driven reforms like APAAR and PM eVIDYA, to inclusive programs like Samagra Shiksha, India is moving toward quality, equity, and accessibility in education.

However, successful implementation, teacher empowerment, and adequate funding will remain crucial for these initiatives to achieve their full potential. With consistent effort and collaboration between the Centre and States, these reforms can pave the way for a future-ready education system..