The Cell for National Centre for Literacy (CNCL), NCERT in collaboration with the School of Tribal Heritage and Tribal Indology (STHTI), KISS-DU organized a five-day training programme on New India Literacy Programme (NILP) Implementation from 20th to 24th February 2023. Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Bani Bora, Senior Consultant, CNCL discussed the five components of NILP, its structure, mode and implementation. Explaining the roles and responsibilities of volunteer teachers, she explained the importance of Mobile Survey App in identification of targeted non-illiterates and voluntary teachers. Dr. Bora insisted on developing an empathetic approach towards the challenges faced by NILP learners.
On the second day of the programme, Dr. Neelkanth Kumar, Assistant Professor, CNCL said that equitable quality education and lifelong learning are the goals of NILP. Discussing the digital divide, he explained the use of ICT in India, recommendations for online and digital education and major digital initiatives like Diksha. Dr. Rohit Nainwal, CNCL briefed on Education for All and Digital Resources, technology for implementation of NILP, Curriculum Framework for Adult Education, and difference between adult and child learner. The second day session concluded with a field visit to KISS-DU.
Speaking on the third day of the programme, Mr. Shiva Srivastava, JPF, CNCL informed that in five years five crore non-literate people have to be educated and made literate. He discussed the history of adult education by mentioning various literacy programs run by the government. Dr. Neelkanth Kumar suggested that learners should learn from their environment and existing voices, sounds and objects around them and insisted on practical implications rather than theories.
Dr. Yasmin Ashraf, Consultant, CNCL took the subsequent session, in which she talked about teaching learning methods, Andragogy and its assumption, and strategies for teaching adult learners. She asked the participants from different states to make an action plan of enhancing literacy, numeracy and critical life skills in the learners by integrating previous experience. Later, she critically analyzed the action plans and put forward her views and suggestions.
Taking a session of Continuing Education on the fourth day, Dr. Shiva Srivastava explained post literacy strategies, role of voluntary teachers, classroom learning, and experience sharing. In the last part of the session, he described print and non-print media, the role of ICT, internet, multimedia and computer. The Action Plan prepared by the Master Trainers of different states and Union Territories was presented and feedback taken.
The valedictory session was organized in hybrid mode on the concluding day of the programme. Remarks on the training program were given by the Trainees from different parts of India: Odisha, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand. Dr. Neelkanth Kumar delivered the welcome address.
Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU thanked Prof. (Dr.) Usha Sharma, Professor & In-charge, CNCL for collaborating with KISS-DU to conduct this training programme. He assured that the tribal students of KISS will materialize the mission of CNCL in their native places where dropout rates are high. He also proposed Professor Sharma to explore the avenues of collaborating with CNCL and NCERT. Prof. Usha Sharma addressed all the participants and congratulated them for their commitment to join with CNCL in eradicating illiteracy from their concerned states. She appreciated the unconditional support provided by KISS-DU for conducting the training programme.
Dr. K.C. Mahali, DG, KISS-DU highlighted the contributions of KISS and spoke about how this University protects, preserves and promotes tribal heritage and culture. Dr. Manoj Kumar Behera, Dean, School of Tribal Heritage and Tribal Indology (STHTI) expressed gratitude to Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS for providing such a wonderful platform for conducting the training program. He thanked CNCL-NCERT for collaboration, the Officials and Resource persons of CNCL, Master Trainers and others for the grand success of the event. Professor B. B. Mishra Professor Emeritus, KISS-DU; Dr. Yasmin Ashraf; and Dr. Neha Jha, Assistant Professor, KISS-DU also spoke on the occasion.