Officials from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) have taken strong measures against the sale of pirated textbooks by seizing counterfeit NCERT books being sold to students at various bookshops in Agartala, Tripura. This initiative, led by Chief Business Manager Amitabha Kumar, follows numerous complaints from parents concerned about the substandard materials being offered to their children.
During the recent raids conducted over two days, the NCERT team, supported by the Tripura Police, discovered illegally sold textbooks printed on low-quality 50 GSM paper, as opposed to the authentic NCERT books which are printed on higher quality 80 GSM paper. Kumar stated, "We have surveyed the market and with police assistance, raided the shops identified in the complaints," emphasizing the seriousness of the operation.
The illegal trade of these counterfeit textbooks presents significant financial incentives for book vendors, as the publishers of pirated books offer profit margins of up to 40%, compared to NCERT's 20%. Kumar noted the lack of proper documentation from shop owners, which raises concerns about compliance with educational standards.
While recognizing the need for strict law enforcement, Kumar hinted at the indifferent feedback received from state education officials, who have been criticized for not effectively addressing these illegal activities. The NCERT's action is part of their broader effort to combat piracy across various cities nationwide.
Meanwhile, on the education front, Meghalaya's North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) recently inaugurated two innovative programs aimed at enhancing education and agriculture within the region. Located at the NECTAR Headquarters, these initiatives feature the establishment of a 'STEM Education Lab' and a 'Mini Laboratory' for soil testing kits, forming part of the PM-DevINE project.
The STEM Education Lab, created with collaborations from various educational and innovation institutions, aims to empower up to 100 schools across Shillong with hands-on learning experiences in science and technology. The lab will focus on key components such as Electronics, Robotics, and 3D printing. According to NECTAR, this program is intended to provide students and teachers access to state-of-the-art equipment and training throughout the year, greatly enhancing experiential learning opportunities.
A significant aspect of NECTAR's initiative is its 'Mini Laboratory cum Bulk Manufacturing Facility' for the 'Vasundhara Soil Organic Carbon and pH Detection Kit.' This facility directly supports the PM-DevINE project, which aims to create sustainable farming ecosystems by training 25,000 farmers across multiple states, including Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura. "The STEM Lab aims to create a holistic environment to empower students with STEM components," was emphasized by program officials.
These soil testing kits will be provided free of charge to local farmers, enabling them to assess the organic content of their soil and receive informed recommendations for organic farming practices.
Further promoting educational advancements, the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) has shown appreciation to key state officials for the establishment of the Arunachal College of Science and Skill Development (ACSSD) at Tarasso, Papum Pare district. The NES views this initiative as transformative for the educational framework of Arunachal Pradesh, envisaging the college as a hub for economic growth and professional skill development.
This first-of-its-kind college will offer integrated curriculum focused on application-based learning and decision-making skills aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework. "This initiative will align our graduates with international standards in skills learning," stated Prof Tana Showren, president of NES, highlighting the initiative’s potential to nurture self-reliant, trained professionals.
Focusing on the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary educational techniques, ACSSD aims to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region. With its multidisciplinary approach, the college is not only set to improve educational standards but also bolster economic opportunities by creating skilled workers ready to contribute to various sectors.
Overall, these educational resource initiatives across Northeast India underline the importance of quality education, sustainable agriculture, and skill enhancement to prepare local communities for future challenges, fostering inclusive growth and self-reliance.