Daily Current Affairs : 22-January-2024

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced an important directive: all schools and higher education institutions in India must provide digital study materials in Indian languages within three years. This initiative aims to promote education in local languages and ensure that all students have access to learning resources that resonate with their cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Importance of Multilingual Education

The National Education Policy 2020 highlights the need for multilingualism at all levels of education. This is crucial for several reasons:

  • Cultural Identity: Learning in one’s mother tongue helps preserve cultural heritage.
  • Better Understanding: Students often grasp concepts more effectively when taught in their native language.
  • Inclusivity: Multilingual education supports linguistic minority groups, ensuring they are not left behind.

According to Article 350 A of the Constitution, children from linguistic minority groups have the right to education in their mother tongue at the primary level. Additionally, the Right to Education Act 2009 encourages using the mother tongue as the medium of instruction whenever feasible.

Key Initiatives in Digital Education

Several initiatives are in place to support this goal of digital education in Indian languages:

  • PM e-Vidya: This initiative provides free, online, and on-air education across India, ensuring access to students in every state.
  • Anuvadini (AI-based App): This app translates important textbooks in fields like Engineering, Medicine, and Law into various Indian languages.
  • e-KUMBH Portal: Launched by AICTE, this portal offers free access to technical education books in multiple Indian languages.
  • DIKSHA Portal: This platform provides school study materials in over 30 Indian languages.
  • Bhasha Sagar Project: Aimed at developing a mobile app and web platform for learning Indian languages, promoting language education.
  • Natural Language Translation: This mission enhances access to teaching and research materials in regional languages.
  • Sathee Portal: Created with IIT Kanpur, this portal helps students prepare for competitive exams in their native languages.

Important Points:

MoE Directive: All schools and higher education institutions in India must provide digital study materials in Indian languages within three years.

Importance of Multilingual Education:

  • Supports cultural identity.
  • Enhances understanding of concepts.
  • Promotes inclusivity for linguistic minority groups.

Legal Framework:

  • Article 350 A: Right to education in the mother tongue for linguistic minorities at the primary level.
  • Right to Education Act 2009: Encourages the use of the mother tongue as the medium of instruction.

Key Initiatives:

  • PM e-Vidya: Free online and on-air education for students across India.
  • Anuvadini (AI-based App): Translates textbooks in Engineering, Medicine, Law, and other fields into Indian languages.
  • e-KUMBH Portal: Free access to technical education books in multiple Indian languages.
  • DIKSHA Portal: Study materials for school education available in over 30 Indian languages.
  • Bhasha Sagar Project: Development of a mobile app and web platform for learning Indian languages.
  • Natural Language Translation: Enhances access to teaching and research materials in regional languages.
  • Sathee Portal: Assists students in preparing for competitive exams in their native languages.

Why In News

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has instructed schools and higher education institutions, including regulators like UGC, AICTE, NCERT, NIOS, IGNOU, and prominent educational institutions, to provide digital study material for all courses in Indian languages within the next three years, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in education. This initiative aims to bridge the language gap and ensure that every student can engage with learning materials in their native tongue.

MCQs about Digital Education in Indian Languages

  1. What directive has the Ministry of Education (MoE) issued regarding digital study materials?
    A. All schools must switch to online education by next year.
    B. Digital study materials must be provided in Indian languages within three years.
    C. All educational institutions must only teach in English.
    D. Only higher education institutions are required to provide digital materials.
    Correct Answer: B. Digital study materials must be provided in Indian languages within three years.
    Explanation: The MoE has specifically instructed that all educational institutions provide digital study materials in Indian languages to promote inclusivity.
  2. Which article of the Constitution mandates education in the mother tongue for children from linguistic minority groups?
    A. Article 350
    B. Article 21
    C. Article 45
    D. Article 30
    Correct Answer: A. Article 350
    Explanation: Article 350 of the Indian Constitution ensures the right to education in the mother tongue for linguistic minority groups at the primary level.
  3. What is the purpose of the PM e-Vidya initiative?
    A. To provide technical education only to urban students.
    B. To offer free, online, and on-air education to students across India.
    C. To translate textbooks into multiple languages.
    D. To create a mobile app for learning languages.
    Correct Answer: B. To offer free, online, and on-air education to students across India.
    Explanation: PM e-Vidya is designed to ensure that students in all states have free access to educational resources, promoting widespread learning.
  4. Which portal provides free access to technical education books in various Indian languages?
    A. DIKSHA Portal
    B. Anuvadini
    C. e-KUMBH Portal
    D. Sathee Portal
    Correct Answer: C. e-KUMBH Portal
    Explanation: The e-KUMBH Portal, launched by AICTE, specifically focuses on providing free access to technical education materials in multiple Indian languages.

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