The NIPUN Bharat Mission (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) is a flagship campaign under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, launched in 2021. It aims to ensure that every child in India attains foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) by Grade 3 by 2026-27. Recognizing that the early years of education form the bedrock for all future learning, this mission seeks to address the gaps in basic reading and arithmetic skills that hinder long-term academic growth.
Objectives of NIPUN Bharat Mission:
- Ensure universal acquisition of foundational literacy and numeracy skills for children in the age group 3 to 9 years.
- Integrate play-based, activity-oriented learning into the curriculum to enhance student engagement.
- Build a robust system of assessment tools to monitor FLN progress.
- Strengthen teacher capacity and classroom practices across India.
- Promote inclusive and equitable education with special focus on socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
Launch Year & Nodal Ministry of NIPUN Bharat Mission:
- Launched: 5th July 2021
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education (Department of School Education and Literacy)
Key Features of NIPUN Bharat:
- Targets children from preschool to Grade 3 in both government and private schools.
- Structured around Learning Outcomes developed by NCERT.
- Covers language, literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional development.
- Emphasizes mother tongue/regional language as medium of instruction in early grades.
- Integration with DIKSHA platform for digital content and teacher training.
- FLN tools & assessment through “Lakshya Soochi” (goals framework).
- Promotes school readiness through Balvatika (pre-primary classes).
Eligibility Criteria for NIPUN Bharat Mission:
- Children in Balvatika (pre-school) to Class 3 in all government and aided schools.
- Indirect beneficiaries include teachers, Anganwadi workers, school administrators, and parents.
Benefits to Citizens:
- Early acquisition of essential reading and arithmetic skills.
- Improved learning outcomes and reduced dropouts in later classes.
- Empowered teachers with modern pedagogical techniques.
- Stronger parental engagement and awareness of child development.
- Lays the foundation for quality lifelong learning.
Financial Outlay of NIPUN Bharat Mission:
- The NIPUN Bharat initiative is implemented through the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, which is a centrally sponsored scheme with a shared funding pattern (60:40 for Centre:States).
- Total allocation under Samagra Shiksha for 2022–23 was over ₹37,383 crore, with FLN being a key component.
- A significant portion of this fund is earmarked for:
- Development of learning materials
- Teacher training
- Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
- Early grade interventions
(Note: While a separate allocation for NIPUN Bharat is not listed independently, it is a major focus within Samagra Shiksha outlay.)
Recent Developments:
- Over 90 lakh Grade 1 students covered under the FLN program as of 2023.
- Launch of DIKSHA-based teacher training modules for FLN.
- Several states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana have rolled out state-specific NIPUN programs with dedicated monitoring dashboards.
- Integration with NEP 2020 recommendations for foundational stage reforms.
Challenges:
- Variations in implementation across states and UTs.
- Shortage of trained teachers, especially in remote areas.
- Language barriers in multilingual classrooms.
- Ensuring regular assessments and real-time feedback mechanisms.
Conclusion:
The NIPUN Bharat Mission is a transformative step toward achieving universal foundational learning in India. Its success will not only uplift the quality of education but will also pave the way for a more skilled and capable generation. With a strong financial backing, digital tools, and a clear roadmap, NIPUN Bharat stands as a cornerstone for India’s educational future.
Official Website: https://nipunbharat.education.gov.in/
Related Schemes: ULLAS; Samgra Shiksha Mission; & Others Schemes
