TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 12, 2024: In a significant move to align with the new National Education Policy (NEP), Chhattisgarh has initiated a state-level textbook writing orientation workshop. This effort, spearheaded by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, marks Chhattisgarh as the first state in India to begin preparing textbooks that adhere to the national curriculum while incorporating local languages and cultural elements.
The two-day workshop, organized by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) at the New Circuit House in Raipur, focuses on revising textbooks for classes 1st to 3rd and 6th. Experts from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and SCERT are leading the training, providing guidance on integrating practical approaches and making the textbooks more creative and engaging.
Speaking at the workshop, School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi emphasized the importance of teaching foundational stage students in their local languages. He highlighted the need for textbooks that are both relevant and reflective of the state’s linguistic diversity, noting that Chhattisgarh currently operates in 20 languages.
Professor Ranjana Arora, Head of the Department of Curriculum at NCERT New Delhi, addressed the workshop virtually, commending Chhattisgarh for being the first state to collaborate with NCERT in creating state-specific textbooks under the NEP framework. She stressed the importance of incorporating local language and cultural features in the curriculum.
SCERT Director Rajendra Kumar Katara underlined the necessity of creating textbooks that remain relevant for an extended period. Padma Shri awardee Jageshwar Yadav also spoke, advocating for primary education in the mother tongue to enhance children’s understanding and connection to their cultural roots.
The workshop included sessions led by prominent educationists such as Professor Dr. K.V. Sridevi from RIE Ajmer, Professor Kirti Kapoor, Dr. Neelkanth Kumar from NCERT’s Language Education Department, and Professor Dr. Sharbari Banerjee from the Art and Beauty Department. Their insights and suggestions aimed at enriching the textbook development process.
The event was well-attended by subject experts from NCERT and SCERT, as well as educators from various parts of Chhattisgarh, all working towards a common goal of improving the quality and relevance of school education in the state.
