Project ASMITA (GS Paper 2, Government Policies)
Introduction
- Project ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian languages through Translation and Academic Writing) is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enriching the educational landscape in India by producing a vast array of academic books in Indian languages.
- This initiative is closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the promotion and integration of Indian languages into the education system.
Detailed Features of Project ASMITA
Overview and Objectives:
- Launch and Collaboration: The project was launched by the Union Ministry of Education in partnership with the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti.
- Aim: To produce 22,000 books in 22 Indian languages over five years.
- Scope: The project will cover a wide range of subjects across Arts, Science, and Commerce streams.
Implementation Strategy:
- Nodal Universities: Thirteen nodal universities have been designated to lead the project, with additional member universities from various regions supporting the initiative.
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): The UGC has developed an SOP to streamline the book-writing process, ensuring quality and consistency across languages.
- Timeline: The target is to produce 1,800 textbooks by June 2025.
Key Components and Initiatives:
Bahubhasha Shabdkosh:
- Purpose: A comprehensive multilingual dictionary repository developed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in collaboration with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti.
- Function: Supports the use of Indian words, phrases, and sentences in new age domains like IT, Industry, Research, and Education.
Real-time Translation Architecture:
- Development: Created by the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) and Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti.
- Objective: To establish a framework for real-time translation in Indian languages, enhancing accessibility and understanding.
- Role of NETF: An autonomous body facilitating technology integration in education, aligning with NEP 2020 goals.
Legal and Institutional Background
University Grants Commission (UGC):
- Establishment: Founded in 1953, became a statutory body in 1956.
- Role: Coordinates, determines, and maintains standards of teaching, examination, and research in university education.
Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti:
- Constitution: A high-powered committee formed in 2021 by the Ministry of Education.
- Objective: To promote the use of Indian languages in education.
Objectives and Benefits
Academic Resource Creation:
- Comprehensive Pool: Developing a wide range of academic resources in 22 scheduled languages to support diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- Subject Coverage: Ensures extensive coverage of essential subjects across various academic streams.
Bridging the Linguistic Divide:
- Inclusivity: Facilitates access to educational materials in native languages, promoting inclusivity.
- Cohesion: Fosters social cohesion and unity by bridging linguistic gaps.
Educational Transformation:
- Skill Development: Enhances learning by providing study materials in students' mother tongues, improving comprehension and retention.
- Global Citizenship: Aims to transform youth into socially responsible global citizens through accessible and culturally relevant education.
Support for National Integration:
- Linguistic Diversity: Celebrates and promotes India's rich linguistic heritage.
- Cultural Preservation: Encourages the preservation and promotion of regional languages and cultures.
Scheduled Languages in the Indian Constitution
The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists 22 languages recognized for special support and promotion:
Assamese Bengali Gujarati
Hindi Kannada Kashmiri
Konkani Malayalam Manipuri
Marathi Nepali Oriya
Punjabi Sanskrit Sindhi
Tamil Telugu Urdu
Bodo Santhali Maithili
Dogri
Conclusion
- Project ASMITA represents a significant move towards linguistic inclusivity and educational equity in India.
- By producing academic materials in Indian languages, it aims to empower students, enhance learning outcomes, and foster a sense of national unity.
- This initiative not only aligns with the NEP 2020 but also underscores the importance of preserving and promoting India's diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
- Through systematic implementation and strategic collaboration, Project ASMITA has the potential to transform the educational landscape in India, making it more inclusive and accessible for all.
