The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is all set to make Indian knowledge and heritage including Gita part of the curriculum of 100 madrassas. Revised courses in the NIOS New Curriculum are a part of the National Education Policy (NEP). It includes 15 courses on the ‘Bharatiya Jnana Parampara’ or Indian Knowledge Tradition. The curriculum currently focuses on elementary classes 3, 5 and 8. The new courses under the program include Vedas, yoga, science, vocational skills, Sanskrit language, Ramayana and Mahabharata narratives, Bhagavad Gita teachings, and among others.
The study material for these courses was released by Union education minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal and while releasing he mentioned, “India is a powerhouse of the ancient language, science and culture. India has all the capabilities to become a knowledge superpower with a rich and ancient heritage”
NIOS chairman said that NIOS New Curriculum would be introduced to 100 madrassas initially, and later, the programme will be extended to the 500 madrassas.
The NIOS was set up to cater to the needs of a mixed group of learners up to pre-degree level. The Open School was started in 1979 as a project with in-built flexibilities by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). It was established by the Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) in 1989.
NIOS imparts education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode through an amalgamation of self-instructional print material, audio and video programme supported by Personal Contact Programme (PCP) at the Accredited Institutions. These are further supplemented by Radio broadcast, TV programmes and Mukta Vidya Vani (audio streaming through the NIOS website).
NIOS admissions to the secondary and senior secondary levels are conducted twice a year.
