NCERT given deemed-to-be university tag, says Pradhan

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been granted the status of deemed university, the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship announced.
• The Union Minister made an announcement during an event to mark the 63rd foundation day of NCERT in the national capital.

Key Highlights

• The Council, on becoming a research university, will offer opportunities for global collaborations and contributions to the global educational landscape.
• A play-based learning-teaching material tailored for children between the age group of 3-8 years developed by NCERT.
• Keeping in mind the ‘Industrial revolution 4.0’, the union minister suggested developing small booklets on varied subjects
  • To provide the facts on the subjects such as India’s Covid-19 management, Chandrayaan 3, etc.
• He also inaugurated a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory of the central institute of educational technology (CIET) on the occasion.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)

• The NCERT is an autonomous organization set up in 1961 by the Government of India
• The Executive Committee (EC) is the highest decision-making body of NCERT and is chaired by the Education Minister.

Objectives

• To assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education.
• To undertake, promote and coordinate research in areas related to:
  • School education
  • Prepare and publish model textbooks
  • Supplementary material
  • Newsletters, journals
  • Develop educational kits, multimedia digital materials

Prelims Takeaway

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory