NCERT books in regional languages soon: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan

COIMBATORE: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will publish books in all regional languages from the 2023-24 academic year, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday.

Pradhan said NCERT books will be published in all languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Odia, Bengali and Assamese.

The foundation course should be taught in the mother tongue, which is the primary aim of the national education policy (NEP), Pradhan said. "NEP has recommended revamping UGC, which acts as a multi-regulatory body for setting professional standards, providing accreditation and funding," he said.

Minister lauds Tamil Nadu for women empowerment

Earlier, addressing students and teachers, Pradhan said Tamil Nadu is ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to women's education and women empowerment. "The state has the highest number of working women. Many women have attained prominence by achieving big in their fields. Female education is crucial for the development of the country. Gross enrolment of women in higher education stands at 27%, which is higher than men. It is expected to reach 50% within a few years," he said.

The minister lauded the institute for implementing Guru-Dakshta, a teacher induction programme. "It is time for this university to tie up with other major universities in the country and the rest of the world. I want to see the institute as a laboratory for implementing NEP. Tamil Nadu is known for good attire. I suggest the university design an innovative localized dress for convocation the next time. We can create new benchmarks for youngsters."

As many as 2,703 people, including 90 medal winners, 52 PhDs, 554 postgraduates and 2,066 undergraduates were conferred degrees.