NIPUN Bharat Mission improves foundational learning outcomes

Source: The post NIPUN Bharat Mission improves foundational learning outcomes has been created, based on the article “Behind NEP’s success story, the real heroes” published in “Indian Express” on 1st February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article highlights improvements in foundational learning in India, driven by the NIPUN Bharat Mission. It explains government efforts, funding, and teacher training. It shares success stories from states and suggests extending the program to 2030 for sustained impact.

For detailed information on Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 read this article here

How has foundational learning improved?

1. For the first time in years, ASER 2024 data shows positive trends in Grade III learning outcomes. More students can read and solve basic math problems.
2. In Uttar Pradesh, the percentage of Grade III students reading Grade II texts increased from 24% to 34%. The percentage of students solving subtraction problems improved from 29% to 41% between 2022 and 2024.
3. Odisha has also seen progress due to its innovative use of workbooks.

What is NIPUN Bharat, and how does it work?

1. NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) was launched in 2021 to improve foundational literacy and numeracy.
2. The program allocates Rs 500 per child for teaching-learning materials.
3. Rs 5,000 per teacher is given for capacity-building workshops, and Rs 150 per teacher for resource materials.
4. States receive Rs 10-20 lakh for assessments to track learning outcomes.
5. Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore is provided for Project Management Units at state and district levels.

For detailed information on Union Education Minister to launch NIPUN Bharat read this article here

What are some success stories?

1. Uttar Pradesh: Learning Through Songs

• Ravi Sharma, a primary school teacher, uses songs to teach math.
• Students chant, “ek-do thaila lo, teen-chaar chalo bazaar” while learning numbers.

2. Odisha: Confidence in Reading

• Second-grader Shragatika Ghosh now reads Odia stories confidently.
• Colourful and contextualised workbooks improved foundational literacy.

What challenges remain?

1. Struggles with Advanced Concepts: Many children face difficulties in higher grades after early learning gains.
2. Gaps in Learning Readiness: Marginalised children often start school without basic skills.
3. Need for Long-Term Support: NIPUN Bharat took four years to show results. Expanding it to 2030 will deepen impact.
4. Bridging the Gap: Extending learning support to Grades III–V and investing in Early Childhood Education (ECE)is essential.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impact of the NIPUN Bharat Mission on foundational learning outcomes in India, including improvements, success stories, and remaining challenges.