Alternative Calendar for Class XI & XII students announced by HRD Minister

June 3: The Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today released an alternative academic calendar for Classes XI and XII (Higher Secondary). The calendar has been developed by NCERT. Taking to his twitter handle, the HRD Minister wrote, “This calendar directs teachers on the use of various technological tools/social media tools to educate students while they are at home.”

With the help of this new academic calendar developed by NCERT, students and teachers can access educational content through mobile applications, TV channels and NCERT’s official YouTube channel. A helpline number is also available for students in case they have any queries.

Released The Alternative Academic Calendar for Classes XI and XII developed by @ncert today!

This Calendar directs teachers on the use of various technological tools/social media tools to educate students while they are at home. #covid19 pic.twitter.com/jwTq0yVogQ

— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) June 3, 2020

New technology and social media have been given priority while drafting the academic calendar, so as to ensure seamless imparting of education. The academic calendar will be issued on a weekly basis. English, Hindi, Sanskrit and Urdu languages have at present been included in the academic calendar.

While making the announcement about the launch of the alternative academic calendar, HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal also highlighted some of its key features.  “This calendar will cater to the needs of all children, including Divyang children (Children with Special Needs)- link for Audiobooks, Radio programmes, Video programmes etc will be included,” he said.

“As many students may not be having mobile phones and Internet connections at their homes or may not be active on the social media, teachers have been asked to instruct the students through SMSes and even phone calls. WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Google Hangout, and Gmail can be used to impart education to the students,” the Minister said.

This will empower our students, teachers, school principals, and parents to find out positive ways to deal with Covid-19 using on-line teaching-learning resources and help in the attainment of learning outcomes.

Link of Alternative Academic Calendar:https://t.co/LsOyxrApSx

— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) June 3, 2020

Since no decision regarding the reopening of schools has been taken yet, students have to rely on content available on digital platforms in order to continue with their studies and attend classes. The aim is to ensure that students across the country have quality and standardised content even during the lockdown. The schools and colleges across country have been shut since mid-march.