Education & Skill Schemes — Set 12

Correct Answer: B. Integrating ECCE with the formal school system for children aged 3-8

NEP 2020 places major emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) by integrating it into the formal school system as the Foundational Stage covering ages 3-8. This involves restructuring Anganwadis and pre-primary classes as the first stage of the 5+3+3+4 school system. The policy recognizes the critical developmental importance of the 3-8 years age period.

Correct Answer: B. Cultural exchange between students of different states

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat component under Samagra Shiksha promotes cultural integration by pairing states and union territories for cultural exchange activities among students. Schools across India participate in activities learning about the culture, language, and heritage of their paired state. This builds national integration and mutual understanding.

Correct Answer: B. Free university-level online courses from premier institutions

SWAYAM primarily offers free university-level online courses covering arts, sciences, engineering, humanities, management, and law from premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, IISc, and central universities. The platform provides 4-quadrant learning: video lectures, reading material, self-assessment tests, and discussion forums. Learners can earn credit from these courses in partner universities.

Correct Answer: B. It is replaced by the 5+3+3+4 structure

NEP 2020 proposes replacing the existing 10+2 school structure with a new 5+3+3+4 curricular and pedagogical structure. This new structure aligns school stages with child development stages: Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary. The 10+2 system was the framework from the 1968 National Education Policy.

Correct Answer: B. Ensuring continuity of learning through digital means

PM eVIDYA was specifically launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure learning continuity when physical schools were closed. It provided multi-mode digital education through TV channels, radio, DIKSHA, and SWAYAM. The initiative underscored the importance of digital education infrastructure for resilience against disruptions.

Correct Answer: B. Providing curriculum content and overseeing platform development

NCERT developed the DIKSHA platform and continues to provide national curriculum-aligned content for all classes. NCERT oversees the overall architecture and quality of content on DIKSHA. States can add their own content on DIKSHA while using the national framework developed by NCERT.

Correct Answer: B. Attracting foreign students to study in India

The 'Study in India' programme aims to attract foreign students to Indian higher education institutions by promoting the quality and diversity of Indian education internationally. NEP 2020 envisions India as a global study destination. The programme includes simplified visa processes and scholarships for foreign students.

Correct Answer: B. School Safety Programmes including disaster preparedness

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan includes School Safety Programmes that involve disaster preparedness training, structural safety of school buildings, and child safety protocols. Schools are guided to prepare School Safety Plans and conduct mock drills for natural disasters. This component ensures a safe learning environment for children.

Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Education

PM POSHAN is implemented by the Ministry of Education (through the state governments and local bodies). The scheme operates through the existing school infrastructure of government and government-aided schools. State governments and UTs manage day-to-day implementation, menu planning, and quality monitoring.

Correct Answer: B. Developing multilingual capabilities and promoting education in Indian languages

NEP 2020 envisions developing multilingual capabilities in higher education, promoting education in Indian languages, and creating high-quality educational content in Indian languages. It recommends that all higher education institutions offer at least some courses in Indian languages. This aligns with the broader goal of making quality higher education accessible to all, regardless of English proficiency.