New Delhi, Dec 16: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday performed the Bhoomi Poojan for a new NCERT auditorium, which can accommodate approximately 900 persons.

Pradhan also presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NCERT and e-commerce marketplace, Flipkart to ensure the affordable and seamless availability of NCERT publications across the country, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

The Minister also inaugurated the Google Learning Centre, which will facilitate the capacity building of teachers and educators on digital tools including AI.

This state-of-the-art lab has been created for 40 people with adequate computers and networking facilities. Along with this, 200 YouTube channels have been created for simulcast of PMeVIDYA DTH TV Channels. The Minister also released NISTHA Integrated Teacher Training Modules, NISHTHA-ET, Kaushal and Edu-Leader.

Speaking on the occasion Pradhan stated that the signing of the MoU between NCERT and Flipkart will enhance the availability of NCERT textbooks, delivering them to learners’ doorsteps across the length and breadth of the country.

The Minister further emphasized that initiatives like the NISHTHA teachers' training modules and the experiential learning centre by Google India will strengthen the capacities of teachers and empower both educators and students.

Pradhan highlighted that NCERT is Bharat’s pride and a cornerstone of the nation’s education system. He described it as not just an institution but a collective academic repository for the country.

The Minister also noted that as NCERT transitions into a research university, it must aspire to become a melting pot, integrating content development, syllabus design, pedagogical approaches, innovative educational practices, teacher capacity building, and technology infusion under one roof.

Aimed at democratizing access to education and complementing the Government of India’s mission to promote inclusive learning opportunities nationwide, this collaboration will facilitate the sale and distribution of NCERT publications through the online marketplace of Flipkart, ensuring greater accessibility through authorized sellers designated by NCERT.

Flipkart will ensure wider reach by making NCERT publications accessible to students and parents across urban and rural India, enabling last-mile connectivity through its platform. Additionally, Flipkart and NCERT will work together to guarantee the availability of authentic, high-quality content.

Joint Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education Prachi Pandey; Director, NCERT, Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani; Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group, Rajneesh Kumar; Head, Google for Education, India, Sanjay Jain; Secretary, NCERT Aman Sharma and other officials of the Ministry, academicians, and Heads of Institutions, also attended the event.

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