NISHTHA Scheme, Objectives, Teachers’ Training Programme

The NISHTHA Scheme is a capacity building teacher training programme which is currently known to be the largest one worldwide. Launched in 2019-20 by Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, this scheme comes under the Samagra Shiksha Yojana, a centrally sponsored scheme. The aim of the scheme is to improve teachers’ learning outcomes at elementary level through an integrated teacher training program. 

What is the NISHTHA Scheme?

The National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA) is a skill and knowledge improving program for teachers and principals in India. 

• The program was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Education. 
• The goal is to improve the quality of elementary school education and provide the teachers with the necessary training in child development, pedagogy and ICT. 
• The scheme will be implemented in all states and UTs all over India.
• The programme has been applauded to improve the education quality of India.

Objectives of the NISHTHA Scheme

The NISHTHA Scheme aims to empower and inspire teachers to promote critical thinking among students through a comprehensive capacity-building training program. The scheme equips teachers with essential skills and knowledge through:

• 18 activity-based training modules, fostering hands-on learning.
• Collaboration across multiple departments, ensuring holistic development.
• Integration of ICT in teaching, learning, and assessment, modernizing education methods.
• Art-based pedagogy, encouraging creativity and innovation among students.
• Development of social-personal skills and creating a safe, healthy school environment.
• Emphasis on school security and safety measures.
• Inclusive education, focusing on health, well-being, and equal opportunities.
• Cultivating school leadership qualities among educators.
• Awareness about new educational initiatives for teachers and administrators.

The NISHTHA Integrated Teacher Training Program targets approximately 42 lakh participants, including:

• Teachers and Principals
• Faculty members of SCERTs (State Councils of Educational Research and Training)
• Faculty members of DIETs (District Institutes of Education and Training)
• Block and Cluster Resource Coordinators across all States and UTs

Additionally, the program provides resources like:

• Test Series
• Previous Year Papers
• Practice Modules
• Pro Live Tests
• Unlimited Test Re-Attempts

This initiative aims to revolutionize elementary education by enhancing the capacity and expertise of educators nationwide. 

NISHTHA Scheme Implementation Process

The training process will be conducted by Key Resource persons and state resource persons selected by the states. The selected people will be trained by 120 National resource person under the nCERT and NIEPA. The states will be given the liberty to contextualise the training modules and use their own materials and resource persons. The program also includes some distinguished features like activity based modules with in-built continuous feedback, online monitoring support system and impact analysis. 

NISHTHA Scheme Expected Outcomes

Some of the expected outcomes of the NISHTHA Scheme are: 

• The scheme will help improve student learning outcome.
• Teachers will be trained to become more responsive and aware about the students social, psychological and emotional needs. 
• Learning environment would improve by promoting a supportive and enriching inclusive education. 
• Teachers will be trained in using art as a pedagogy hence leading to improved students’ innovation and creativity. 
• Regular teacher training would lead to improvement in students personal social skills

Significance of NISHTHA Scheme

The NISHTHA Scheme is important for the Indian education system for many reasons:

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• To improve the quality of school education through a comprehensive Integrated Teacher Training Program.
• To build and strengthen the competencies of elementary school teachers and principals.
• To familiarize teachers and principals with the latest initiatives in school education.
• To revitalize the teaching profession by addressing challenges faced by uninspired and demoralized educators, incorporating innovative teaching methods.
• To empower and motivate teachers and school leaders to cultivate critical thinking skills in their students.