Pune: It is necessary to provide students with basic literacy and numeracy skills for future academic and personal development, said Central Minister Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. Speaking at the inauguration of a discussion session on "Sustainable Basic Literacy and Numeracy through Integrated Education" at Savitribai Phule Pune University.
Singh emphasized the importance of clear objectives and effective planning to ensure that students receive basic literacy and numeracy skills through primary education. The program was attended by state Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, National Curriculum Framework Committee member Prof. Manjul Bhargava, Central Higher Education Secretary Sanjay Murti, Central School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar, Central Skill Development Secretary Atul Kumar, UNICEF Chief of Education Terry Darnian, and University Vice Chancellor Prof. Suresh Gosavi.
Singh stated that "Sustainable Basic Literacy and Numeracy through Integrated Education" is one of the main priorities of the education program. The lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills among primary school students has been identified through various surveys. It is necessary to establish a curriculum based on these skills to ensure that students have a solid foundation. The study and teaching perspective, the role of parents and social factors, and the development and training of teachers should be given special attention. The discussion session aimed to create an appropriate environment for students to receive assistance in basic literacy and numeracy skills and to promote innovative ideas for this purpose.
He further said that in India's national education system, emphasis has been placed on developing the abilities of each individual. Education is aimed at promoting basic literacy and numeracy skills and recognizing them in the best possible way. By 2025, it has been given top priority to identify students with basic literacy and numeracy skills at the primary level through education. All states and union territories in India have launched programs to achieve this goal. During his tenure as the G-20 chairman, efforts have been made to focus on eliminating flaws in the education sector and to focus on their eradication. The fourth meeting of the Education Working Group will send a message to make education methods more accessible, inclusive, and innovative, according to Pr. Bhargav. Basic literacy and numeracy skills are essential for solving the problems of hunger and poverty among children. The number of people who do not have knowledge of this subject is 14 percent, even in the most advanced parts of the world, including 56 percent of the world's population. If students are given proper education, practical skills, knowledge of innovation, and skills, the goal of sustainable development can be achieved. For this, teachers should be trained in specialized study programs to enhance their teaching skills. If students are given a balanced diet and good health, the number of schools that have to be closed will decrease. Developing a curriculum based on creativity, diversity, entertainment, and activity-based learning, recognizing various languages at a young age, ensuring the use of technology, and spending 10 percent of the total education budget on primary education is also necessary, according to Pr. Bhargav.
UNICEF's Chief of Education, Terry Darnian, has emphasized the importance of "basic literacy and numeracy" in education. To develop basic literacy and numeracy skills among students, new teaching methods, coordination of various components, and innovative academic approaches are necessary. Darnian also stressed the need to reduce the time spent by students on travel, improve the quality of primary education, increase access to academic literature, and implement programs to improve the quality of education.
During the first three meetings of the working group under the leadership of India's "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the World is one family) initiative, discussions were held on the importance of providing quality education to all, regardless of location. The fourth meeting will focus on "basic literacy and numeracy," and the topic has already reached more than 40 million students, parents, and teachers across the country. As a result, 30 states and union territories have demonstrated excellent academic initiatives at the event.
Members of the working group and experts in the education field attended the meeting.
Maharashtra's traditional methods of education were also welcomed at the event.
Gaurdian Minister Chandrakant Patil welcomed all attendees and engaged in dialogue with representatives. The event also featured a welcome ceremony for foreign delegates with traditional Gujarati music and dance performances.
