PNS|HYDERABAD
So, let’s talk about something really cool – ARISE, The Association for Reinventing School Education. They’re on a mission to shake up the education system in India and they’re doing it by bringing together some of the brightest minds in the field. From school promoters to edupreneurs, educators and policymakers, everyone is coming together to put students first and tackle the unique challenges faced by schools. With over 1,350 schools, 85,000 teachers and 1.4 million students on board, it is definitely making waves. Let’s dive in and see what they’re all about with Vinesh Menon, DG & CEO, ARISE!
Excerpts from the interview
What effects is the National Education Policy (NEP) 2025 having on curriculum designs and student assessments in Indian schools?
As a result of the goal to execute NEP 2020, which we are currently seeing, NEP 2025 develops upon its predecessor by emphasizing competency-based, comprehensive education. By encouraging formative assessments and experiential learning paradigms, it departs from rote learning. According to the 5+3+3+4 design, the new curriculum framework incorporates transdisciplinary learning, critical thinking and skill development from an early age. In order to provide a more student-centric approach in all Indian institutions, assessment reforms now place a higher priority on ongoing feedback, knowledge application and the incorporation of socioemotional learning measures.
In light of recent health problems, what steps are being taken to guarantee food safety in school meal programs?
The question mostly concerns recent reports from a few states that several pupils in government schools died as a result of severe food poisoning. This is regrettable and I have no business commenting on the actions taken by the local government or these schools. Naturally, I firmly believe that such incidences are not taken lightly and I have no doubt that the FSSAI and the Ministry of Education would have strengthened food safety procedures under the PM POSHAN program. I have no doubt that schools are expected to follow well-documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for food preparation, cleanliness audits and real-time monitoring via mobile apps. Third-party inspections and training in safe food handling have become more important.
Additionally, getting products from approved suppliers and making sure facilities like hygienic kitchens and a water supply are in place are being prioritised. Additionally, it would be wise for all schools to embrace and modify some of the knowledge papers provided by ARISE, particularly those pertaining to the School Quality Framework.
How are the needs of underprivileged urban children being met by creative educational models?
First, the RTE is a crucial law that was put into effect in 2009 to guarantee that a sizable percentage of underprivileged kids receive high-quality education. These kids attend schools that use a variety of cutting-edge teaching methods and as a result, underprivileged kids are exposed to these cutting-edge teaching methods. In addition, models like community learning centers, hybrid classrooms and mobile learning units are being developed to help underprivileged urban kids. In order to lessen learning gaps, the government (both state and federal) has begun enlisting forward-thinking private organisations from academia and business to provide services in government schools where economically disadvantaged children attend. This is done to make sure that these children are not denied access to contemporary teaching methods like digital tools and regionally-specific content in their native tongues. CSR, PPP, or any other model that functions within the regulatory framework could be the driving force behind such an interaction. While city-led programs use Anganwadi, municipal schools, and local libraries as inclusive learning hubs, bridge schooling programs assist out-of-school children in making the transition to formal education. The foundation of these advances is contextual relevance, flexibility and equity.
What effects will the Rajasthan Coaching Centers (Control and Regulation) Act, 2025, have on the coaching sector and the welfare of students?
Any action that helps students who are putting in a lot of effort to gain an advantage on competitive tests is a positive step. An important piece of legislation is the Rajasthan Coaching Centre Act, which requires coaching centers to have infrastructural standards, faculty qualifications, licenses and mental health protections. It aims to address growing student stress and stop exploitative practices. The Act appears to be well-intentioned and puts the welfare of students first by requiring counseling support and regulating excessive study hours. Similar reforms in other states are probably going to be sparked by it, which will force the coaching sector to become more accountable and compliant with educational ethics.
In what ways is the PM SHRI Scheme improving the infrastructure and standard of instruction in Indian schools?
It is anticipated that the PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) Scheme will turn more than 14,500 schools into model establishments or centers of excellence that nearby schools can follow. These schools are getting targeted funding for inclusive infrastructure, solar energy, green buildings and smart classrooms. In addition to the physical improvements, the program integrates teacher training, digital literacy and vocational education to support pedagogy based on NEP 2020 ideals. It is anticipated that PM SHRI schools will establish themselves as models of quality, fairness and creativity in India’s public education system. Adapting to a digital methodology in school education without sacrificing the country’s traditional ethos and value system is in line with recent budget announcements that reflect progress and all of these bode well with the need for significant reforms and transformation in school education!
