NCERT’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ module touts Modi government schemes on start-ups, skilling, disabled people

By Shradha Chettri & Sanjay

NEW DELHI: In the new supplementary module prepared by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for school students on “Viksit Bharat” – “developed India” – the country’s top advisory body on curriculum and textbooks has once again listed government schemes, initiatives and campaigns.

It includes chapters on “Swachhata Hi Seva” (Cleanliness is Service); “Swadeshi Apano” from the “vocal for local” campaign; “Arthik unnati me divyangjano ka yogdaan-viksit bharat ki raah” (Role of disabled persons in economic development); “Start-up-Amrit Kaal” and “Kadam Viksit Bharat Ki” (steps towards developed India).

Every chapter of the module opens with a picture of the newly-built “Bharat Mandapam” in Delhi, with the title “Achievements of Contemporary India, Developed India”. At the end is a photo of the prime minister Narendra Modi with the Indian hockey players.

Each of the modules is in Hindi and each chapter an occasion to talk approvingly about government schemes such as “Start Up India”, “Jan Dhan Yojana”, “Make in India”, “Skill India” and others.

Earlier NCERT had released modules on “Nari Shakti Vandan” (Women Empowerment), G20 and “Chandrayaan Utsav”. The Nari Shakti Vandan module had sections on government schemes such as “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojna and others.

NCERT Module: Swachhata Hi Seva

It is for the basic level and revolves around the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Lakriya village, Haryana, focusing on the construction of toilets in households.

Told through Ashu, a young boy, witnesses the construction of toilets in his village under the government scheme. He learns about the importance of sanitation, cleanliness, and hygiene through the process.

It highlights the government's efforts to promote cleanliness and health through various initiatives, such as providing subsidies for toilet construction.

The chapter underscores the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ as a significant government initiative aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene across India, particularly in rural areas. It portrays the scheme's impact on enhancing the living conditions and health standards of the villagers.

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Viksit Bharat: Swadeshi Apnao

This section of the Viksit Bharat module is for primary school students and talks about using indigenous products.

Using the context of Diwali, the chapter encourages children to use products made by Indian artisans. He sees posters – “Swadeshi Apnao aur Khushali Lao” (Use native products and bring happiness) and “Vocal For Local”, a phrase used by Modi. The chapter also refers to the “Make in India” campaign – another government initiative – and its logo.

It has a teacher telling students, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started the ‘Make In India’ scheme under which we are making huge numbers of products in the country.” She also says that India is the fifth largest economy in the world.

Initiatives for the disabled

The chapter on “Arthik Unnati Me Divyangjano ka Yogdaan” talks about the contributions of people with disabilities and also addresses the issues of their employment and economic participation.

The chapter highlights the ethical imperative of providing opportunities for disabled individuals, the legal frameworks supporting their rights and inclusion, and the economic benefits of leveraging their talents and skills in the workforce.

Viksit Bharat: Startup Amrit Kaal

It is for the secondary level students which talks about PM’s vision 2047 for “New India, a new dawn for the country which will bring with it the chance to fulfil the nation's aspirations”.

The chapter discusses the importance of startups, for India in general but focuses on the northeastern region. It begins with an account of the 'Young Entrepreneur Meet' in Tripura.

The chapter highlights the definition of startups in India and once again, shifts to talking about the initiatives undertaken by the government, particularly the 'Startup India' programme, to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

‘Policies of the present government…’

The ‘Kadam Viksit Bharat Ki’ chapter is for students of higher secondary level talking about the steps taken towards making India into a developed nation.

The chapter reflects on India's journey towards development and progress, attributing practically all growth to the present government. It begins with the celebration of Teacher's Day and the recognition of a Hindi language teacher with the National Teacher Award.

The teacher then discusses India's historical and contemporary development trajectory, emphasising the role of government policies and initiatives in driving economic growth, social welfare, and international recognition. The chapter celebrates India's achievements and progress in various domains, including economic development, governance, and international recognition.

It highlights key government initiatives and policies as drivers of positive change such as 'Jan-Dhan Yojana', 'Make in India', 'Startup India', and 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' are highlighted for their contributions to national development.

It ends with a ringing endorsement of the present government with the fictional teacher telling students: “The policies of the present government seem to be successful due to strict decisions taken in the interest of the country….. Today's lecture made us all feel proud to be Indians under the visionary leadership and political will.”