**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to concerns regarding teacher education in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts, particularly those with significant Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste populations. The Ministry of Education acknowledges the challenges these districts face in accessing quality teacher education.
To address these challenges, the government has initiated the National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA) program. This program, financially supported under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, provides training to in-service teachers, with preference given to LWE-affected districts. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is collaborating with the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) to conduct NISHTHA teacher training and capacity-building programs for teachers in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) nationwide.
Regarding special relaxations to support teacher education in these districts for the academic session 2026-27, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has introduced a four-year Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), as per the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020. The ITEP is currently in a pilot phase in selected NAAC-accredited Higher Education Institutions across the country. As of the date of this document (August 18, 2025), NCTE has not received any proposals for exemption from NAAC accreditation from any Teacher Education Institution for conducting the ITEP pilot.
The document also implies an expectation that these measures will enhance the Gross Enrolment Ratio and promote inclusive socio-economic development in educationally backward regions.
Key Entities Referenced
Left Wing Extremism LWE affected districts: Districts affected by Left Wing Extremism, often with a high proportion of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, facing challenges in accessing quality teacher education.
Scheduled Tribes: Officially designated groups of indigenous people in India recognized by the Constitution.
Scheduled Castes: Officially designated groups of historically disadvantaged people in India recognized by the Constitution.
National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement NISHTHA: A program initiated for providing training to in-service teachers, financially supported by the Department under the centrally sponsored scheme of Samagra Shiksha.
Samagra Shiksha: A centrally sponsored scheme that provides financial support to the NISHTHA program.
National Council of Educational Research and Training NCERT: An autonomous organization of the Government of India which provides guidance and support to schools in India.
National Education Society for Tribal Students NESTS: An organization that collaborates with NCERT for conducting NISHTHA teacher training programs for teachers of Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools EMRS: Schools across the country for which NISHTHA teacher training and capacity building programs are conducted.
National Education Policy, 2020: A comprehensive framework for elementary education to higher education in India.
National Council for Teacher Education NCTE: A statutory body of the Indian government which Formally oversees standards, procedures and processes in the Indian education system.
Integrated Teacher Education Program ITEP: A four-year program notified by NCTE to enhance the quality of teacher education, currently in a pilot phase.
NAAC accreditation: Accreditation from National Assessment and Accreditation Council. It is desirable quality for Higher Education Institutions.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:- 4073
ANSWERED ON-18/08/2025
Teachers' Education in LWE affected Districts
4073. Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts with
majority of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes are facing challenges in accessing quality teacher
education;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is considering special relaxations to support teachers' education in such
districts for the academic session 2026-27;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether exemption from NAAC accreditation for starting ITEP courses, relaxation in minimum
years of institutional existence and special admission window for 2026–27 is provided for such
districts; and
(f) whether these measures are expected to enhance the Gross Enrolment Ratio and promote inclusive
socio-economic development in such educationally backward regions?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDARY)
(a) & (b): For ensuring access to quality teacher education, including in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)
affected districts with majority of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, National Initiative for
School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA) programme has been initiated for
providing training to in-service teachers. The programme is financially supported by the Department
under the centrally sponsored scheme of Samagra Shiksha. As per the scheme norms, preference in
the interventions is given to LWE affected districts, among others. The National Council of
Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has collaborated with the National Education Society
for Tribal Students (NESTS) for conducting regular NISHTHA teacher training and capacity building
programmes for teachers of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across the country.
(c) to (f): In pursuance of the recommendations of the National Education Policy, 2020, the National
Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has notified four (04) year Integrated Teacher Education
Program (ITEP) on 26th October 2021. At present, the ITEP has been introduced in pilot phase in
selected NAAC accredited Higher Education Institutions across the country. As on date, NCTE has
not received any proposal for grant of exemption from NAAC accreditation from any Teacher
Education Institution in the country for conduct of ITEP pilot.
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