The Minister of Human Resource Development Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Thursday, July 2, 2002 released an eight-week alternative academic calendar for classes 1 to 5 developed by NCERT. It consists of a week-wise plan developed keeping in view the availability of tools with the teachers.

The HRD Minister tweeted, “Launched an 8-week Alternative Academic Calendar for the primary stage today. This Calendar contains detailed guidelines for teachers on the use of technology & social media tools to impart education while the students are at home.”

Launched an 8-week Alternative Academic Calendar for the primary stage today.
This Calendar contains detailed guidelines for teachers on the use of technology & social media tools to impart education while the students are at home.https://t.co/LsOyxriOtX

— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) July 2, 2020

The week-wise plan consists of interesting activities and challenges, with reference to the themes and chapters taken from the syllabus or textbook across the subject areas. It also maps the themes with the learning outcomes.

Apart from the NCERT alternative academic calendar, the HRD Ministry has also directed that teachers, researchers, non-teaching staff to work from home till July 31, in a circular sent to higher education regulators. Citing the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Unlock 2 guidelines, the education ministry has also directed the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Testing Agency (NTA) and all other autonomous organisations functioning under the Department of Higher Education that colleges and educational institutions will remain closed till July 31.

The ministry also asked the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories to consider similar guidelines for the higher educational institutions as well. The circular sent on June 30 said, “The Faculty members/ Teachers/ Researchers should utilise this period for various academic activities.”

Source: India Today