Central Education Secretary Reviews Education System in Uttarakhand: Focus on Assessment Centers, Digital Initiatives, and Student Participation

The state's education system was assessed by Central Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar.The central education secretary visited Vidya Samiksha Kendra in Uttarakhand to assess the state's education system. During his visit, he conducted inspections of several schools along with the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) and SCERT. He inspected the education system of the state meticulously. Various officials Secretary Education Ravinath Raman, the Additional Secretary of School Education and Director General Banshidhar Tiwari, Director of Academic Research and Training Bandana Garbyal including APD, Dr. Mukul Sati, were present to provide insights into the education system of the state.

During the review meetings with the central secretary, discussions were held on various aspects of education, including the importance of school-based assessment centers and the utilization of mobile applications for educational purposes. Efforts to increase student enrollment and improve education through various programs were also highlighted to the education secretary.

At the school level, indicators were set and assurances were given to fulfill them along with the educational calendar. The importance of assessment centers in schools and their proper utilization was emphasized. After considering all applications, discussions were held on various types of mobile applications. Efforts to increase student participation through various programs were communicated to the education secretary. Suggestions for improvement in teacher programs at the primary school level were also provided by the central government.

Subsequently, Heading chair Ms. Kesang Yangzom Sherpa, IRS Member Secretary, Joint Director CIET-NCERT Dr Amrendra Behra and his team visited SCERT Uttarakhand campus and have close interaction with each department and sharing of best practices and initiative taken by SCERT to innovate technology and play way resources as per the local based curriculum and material what NEP 2020 had insights and vision. The team inspections were conducted at the DIET Dehradun, where various types of programs were examined and where discussions were held on the ongoing programs run by different departments.

Information was provided about the current curriculum-related programs through SCERT. Various programs initiated by NCERT were also highlighted. During this process, special emphasis was placed on sharing insights during the sharing session with Joint Director Amarendra Behra regarding the digital content being created for PM e-Vidya by the IT department.

Suggestions were made for continuous efforts to be made by the director and all officials to watch the programs on PM Vidya channel in their cabins through smart TVs and DTH broadcasts, and for students to make continuous efforts to watch these programs from time to time. It was emphasized that all schools should create a specific calendar and watch their programs on all PM Vidya channels for the benefit of all students.

The Director Academy of Research and Training, Bandana Garbyal highlighted the fundamental need and performance-based job indicator to sustain quality in education. Joint Director Behra appreciated the efforts made to provide solutions to various important issues during the discussion. During the visit of officials from NCERT and CIET, various departmental heads were also present, including Joint Director Kanchan Devradi and Asha Rani Painuilly, along with Assistant Director Dr. K.N. Bijalwan and Mukesh Semwal. Each department shared their best practices and experiences in experiential learning.

Kanchan Devradi, the Joint Director, highlighted the department's innovative methods in integrating experiential learning into the curriculum, focusing on practical, hands-on activities to enhance student engagement and understanding.

Asha Rani Painuilly, a Joint Director, elaborated on the department's initiatives to incorporate real-world experiences into the learning process, providing students with opportunities for immersive learning outside the classroom.

Dr. K.N. Bijalwan, the Assistant Director, discussed the department's efforts in developing interactive learning modules and educational materials that promote experiential learning across various subjects and grade levels. Concerned shared insights into how the department collaborates with external partners and stakeholders to create meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students, such as field trips, internships, and community projects.

In conclusion, Overall, the exchange of ideas and experiences among the departmental heads facilitated a comprehensive understanding of effective strategies for implementing experiential learning approaches in education.