Delhi Government Approves ₹900 Cr Plan for Smart Boards in Schools
In a major step toward smart education, the Delhi government has approved the installation of 18,996 smart boards across government schools in the national capital. This initiative, worth over ₹900 crore, aims to modernize teaching methods and improve student engagement from Classes 9 to 12.
- Special focus is on underserved areas like Najafgarh, Kirari, and Narela.
- The plan includes 7,000 smart classrooms, 100 language labs, and 175 digital libraries to promote interactive and multi-lingual learning.
This move aligns with the goals of NEP 2020, which encourages technology integration in classroom pedagogy.
DU & UGC Face Backlash Over Draft Regulation 2025
Over 2,000 teachers from Delhi University have submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, requesting withdrawal of the Draft UGC Regulations 2025. Their primary concerns include:
- A significant rise in teaching workload
- Reduction of core subject credit in UG courses
- Rapid digitization without adequate infrastructure
- Concerns over online credit platforms like SWAYAM affecting teaching quality
DUTA (Delhi University Teachers’ Association) says the reforms undermine academic autonomy and weaken public institutions.
Maharashtra Approves Massive Hiring in Higher Education
The Maharashtra government has sanctioned the recruitment of:
- 5,012 assistant professors
- 2,242 support staff
- 788 teaching faculty across state-aided universities and engineering colleges
Institutions like VJTI Mumbai and LITU will get 100% staffing, with ₹8 crore allocated for infrastructure upgrades. The move is seen as crucial to improving teacher-student ratios and enhancing technical education quality in the state.
Rajasthan Mandates Yoga & Extra-Curricular Activities in RBSE Schools
In a move to promote holistic learning, the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) has made yoga, sports, weekly library sessions, and arts activities compulsory from this academic year.
- New rules also introduce Child Rights Clubs and Science Innovation Hubs.
- The plan includes the distribution of iron-folic acid tablets to tackle adolescent anemia among students.
This initiative supports mental wellness and health literacy as essential parts of student development.
ICSE/CBSE Schools Adapt to New Textbook Guidelines
CBSE and ICSE boards are modifying NCERT syllabus integration under NEP 2020, reducing rote-heavy topics and adding critical thinking modules.
- Subjects like environmental studies, financial literacy, and digital safety are being gradually introduced.
- Teachers are undergoing online training sessions for the new pattern.
The boards aim to ensure uniform assessment and hybrid learning environments from 2025 onward.
EdTech Sector Sees Mixed Signals
While big platforms like Byju’s and Unacademy continue facing regulatory scrutiny and downsizing, a new wave of regional language ed-tech startups is rising. Platforms offering UPSC, SSC, and state board coaching in vernacular languages are gaining traction, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
- AI-powered doubt-solving apps and online test series tools are also popular.
- Investors are shifting focus from K-12 giants to B2B education platforms for schools.
Upcoming Events: National Education Summit & Skill India Fair
The National Education Summit 2025 will be held on July 20 in Bengaluru, focusing on:
- Public-private collaboration
- Skill-based education
- Digital access and gender equality in classrooms
Simultaneously, the Skill India Mission will launch vocational fairs in 15 states to promote youth employability and entrepreneurship education in rural areas.
