Haryana Government to Introduce Digital Literacy Subjects in Higher Secondary School Curriculum

Haryana's Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, announced plans to incorporate digital literacy into the higher secondary curriculum. This includes subjects like coding, data analysis, and digital security. Recognising the role of technology in education, these changes aim to equip students with essential skills. Additionally, Umeed Counseling services will be introduced in schools, making career guidance mandatory from Class 9 onwards.

To ensure quality education, the state aims for a teacher-student ratio of 1:30 in government schools. An extra scholarship of Rs 3,000 per year will be provided to eligible students under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme. Saini shared these updates during the inauguration of Vivekanand Bhawan's ground floor block at Nand Lal Geeta Vidya Mandir School in Ambala district.

Focus on Cultural Education

Saini highlighted the role of Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan in promoting education through over 25,000 schools since 1977. These schools not only focus on academic excellence but also instil cultural values in students. The organisation plays a crucial role in educating youth about Indian culture and ethics.

The chief minister emphasised that the new National Education Policy (NEP) ensures students receive both academic and moral education. Haryana has launched initiatives promoting value-based education that focuses on national character development and respect for traditions. The NEP aims to provide continuous learning opportunities from Kindergarten to Postgraduate levels.

Advancements in Educational Infrastructure

Under the NEP, Haryana has established 1,420 Model Sanskriti Vidyalayas to offer high-quality education to economically disadvantaged children. These institutions focus on academic excellence while imparting ancient values and cultural traditions. Saini noted Haryana's pioneering role in implementing the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) for vocational skills at the school level.

Students from Class 9 to 12 receive skill training programmes under this initiative, gaining practical skills alongside academics. Over 5 lakh students from classes 10 to 12 have received free tablets under the e-learning scheme to support digital learning. Additionally, pre-vocational exposure is provided to 1,19,000 students from classes 6 to 8 across 1,185 government schools.

Support for Meritorious Students

The Super 100 programme offers special coaching to meritorious government school students preparing for competitive exams like IIT, JEE, and NEET. Saini mentioned that cash incentives totalling Rs 7.81 crore were awarded to 704 Scheduled Caste students who scored over 90% in Class 12 as recognition of their academic achievements.

During his visit to Nand Lal Geeta Vidya Mandir School, Saini also planted saplings to promote environmental conservation. He announced a financial grant of Rs 31 lakh for the school. These efforts reflect Haryana's commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and supporting students' holistic development.