Under CM Nitish, Bihar Promotes Quality Education In Govt Schools, 'Unnayan Bihar' Model Sets Example

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Bihar is scripting a new chapter of development in every field, particularly in education, where significant progress has been made.

Recognising the importance of foundational education, the Chief Minister has emphasised providing quality education along with basic facilities in schools.

Photo Credit: PTI

To ensure quality education reaches every household and to improve examination results, the Education Department launched the 'Unnayan Bihar' project. The Unnayan model is an excellent medium for delivering quality education to children using technology.

The 'Unnayan Bihar Model' was initiated as a pilot project in five government schools in the Banka district on 15th August 2017. Since 5th September 2019, this model has been implemented in 6,000 schools across Bihar, benefiting over 2.8 million children.

Origin of the Unnayan Model

Banka district administration was the first in Bihar to introduce the Unnayan model. Using available TVs and mobile phones, children are educated under this initiative.

To make learning simple and accessible, the Unnayan model integrates 3D multimedia-based content, videos, and VFX. This model has transformed 'Mera Mobile, Mera Vidyalaya' (My Mobile, My School) into a virtual classroom. Now, even government schools are equipped with smart classrooms, where children are taught through computers and projectors. Software linked to the curriculum is also made available.

The construction of smart classrooms in 2,379 secondary and higher secondary schools, costing ₹115 crore, has been completed. Science teachers have received special training from the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to operate these classrooms. Monitoring of smart classrooms has been assigned to district programme officers, and uninterrupted electricity supply has been ensured to keep them running smoothly.

Nationwide Recognition of the Model

Bihar's Unnayan model has gained popularity across the country and is now being implemented in six other states, including Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Arunachal Pradesh.

A survey revealed that before the Unnayan project, attendance in government schools was extremely low, with only 45.06% of children attending school.

After the implementation of the project, attendance increased significantly to 80.40%. Similarly, in board examinations, only 38% of students used to pass earlier. After the Unnayan project, there has been a revolutionary improvement in education, with the pass percentage rising to 73%.

Enhancing Awareness and Accessibility

Unnayan has proven to be an effective platform to create awareness about education among children. Even in the absence of teachers, students can easily study through Unnayan.

If teachers are on leave, students can still manage classroom activities under the Unnayan platform. Audio and video content is available to solve problems repeatedly during studies, making learning engaging and interactive.

The study material in Unnayan has been designed very specifically to aid students. Edited content with photographs is used to teach children from every perspective. Subjects like Mathematics, Science, Hindi, English, and Social Science are taught through the Unnayan model.

Leveraging Digital Media

Using various digital platforms, students can easily access education through the Unnayan model. Children of the current generation are adept at using multimedia platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube.

Therefore, incorporating the latest technology and multimedia has made learning simpler and more accessible. The model also aims to provide quality education to children in remote areas. The Unnayan model operates under a complete cycle of learning.

Evaluation and Feedback System

Post-completion of smart class sessions, students are tested daily and weekly, and digital report cards are prepared for each child. Importantly, feedback is provided based on their scores. Tests are conducted using OMR sheets, which are scanned through mobile phones to generate digital report cards. This system identifies subjects in which students are weak.

To address students' curiosity, an Unnayan app has also been developed. This app focuses entirely on content, ensuring even complex topics are easily understood.

Designed by a group of young graduates from IIT Delhi through Ekovation, the Unnayan app allows students to ask questions via mobile phones. Global experts associated with Unnayan address students' queries in simple language, making the app highly effective.

The 'Mera Mobile, Mera Vidyalaya' initiative under Unnayan has proven highly effective, converting mobile phones into virtual classrooms. For instance, over 1,21,000 Class 10 students are studying through the Unnayan app, with additional data available for other classes.

In one case, Mausam Rani, a Class 10 student from Shahpur High School, continued her studies through the 'Mera Mobile, Mera Vidyalaya' platform even after a road accident disrupted her school attendance. She achieved an impressive 86% in her matriculation exams.

Reaching Remote Areas

In areas lacking electricity and internet connectivity, the 'School on Wheels' programme has been introduced. Under this initiative, vans equipped with LEDs display course content, benefiting students in remote regions.

Global Recognition

UNESCO has praised Bihar's Unnayan model globally, awarding it the Commonwealth International Innovation Award. Bihar surpassed countries like Singapore and Mauritius to win this accolade for Unnayan Bharat. Additionally, the project has received numerous awards, including the Champion of Change award.

A Model of Digital India

The Unnayan Bihar model is a remarkable example of Digital India. It spreads knowledge among children in an engaging manner and instils new energy in them.

Nitish Kumar's government has received widespread acclaim for this model across the nation. Not only has it increased children's inclination towards studies, but it has also strengthened the bond between teachers and students.