Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the importance of transforming schools into vibrant, community-centered institutions to drive significant changes in the education sector. Speaking at a meeting in New Delhi under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, Pradhan mentioned the completion of five years of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the upcoming shift towards a new Samagra Shiksha framework in 2026-27, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Pradhan identified the pressing need to align the education system and human resources with the developmental goals of India. He acknowledged the diverse experiences and successful practices of states in using education to foster a fairer and more equitable society, emphasizing the importance of consolidating these experiences to strengthen Samagra Shiksha.
The Minister stressed the necessity for comprehensive reforms in school education, focusing on enhancing learning outcomes, improving nutrition, reducing exam stress, streamlining learning methods, ensuring full enrollment up to Class XII, promoting holistic school development, and effectively utilizing technology. Pradhan emphasized the importance of reintegrating schools into society to translate these initiatives into tangible results.
Highlighting the role of communities, Pradhan suggested that while the government should oversee systems and salaries, the community should play a more active role in the daily operations of schools. He underscored the significance of achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, emphasizing the need for universal access to quality education and complete enrollment up to Class XII.
The Minister called for collective efforts to bridge learning gaps, reduce drop-outs, enhance learning and nutrition outcomes, empower teachers, instill design thinking and critical skills in students, move beyond traditional education paradigms, and nurture a skilled workforce for a developed India. Pradhan urged academic experts, government officials, and states to collaborate on a comprehensive annual plan for the academic year 2026–27, envisioning it as a nationwide initiative.
The consultation meeting convened various stakeholders to deliberate on the future trajectory of Samagra Shiksha, ensuring that the evolving framework aligns effectively with India’s educational and developmental objectives.
