**Executive Summary**
On April 23, 2026, Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary reviewed the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and various academic reforms at SCERT Maharashtra in Pune. The review emphasized strengthening teacher education and scaling up the "Skills on Wheels" initiative to enhance grassroots vocational learning. Key action items include the documentation and nationwide sharing of Maharashtra’s best practices in digital pedagogy and skill integration.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**NEP 2020 Implementation and State Initiatives**
* Reviewed progress on major programs including the NIPUN Maharashtra Mission and the State Curriculum Framework.
* Assessed the development of PM SHRI Schools and the implementation of the School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF).
* Evaluated the integration of vocational education pathways within the standard school system.
**Technological Advancements in Education**
* Highlighted the use of AI-enabled tools, digital content platforms, and real-time data systems in the state's education model.
* Commended the "AI Saathi for Educators" initiative, which assists teachers with lesson planning, assessment, and content creation.
* Emphasized the importance of digital pedagogy for future-ready learning.
**Vocational Training and Last-Mile Delivery**
* Stressed the need to strengthen skill-based learning across all stages of schooling to align with the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision.
* Advocated for the scaling of "Skills on Wheels," a model designed to bring vocational training directly to learners at the grassroots level.
**Knowledge Sharing and Replication**
* Directed officials to document Maharashtra’s successful models in digital pedagogy and classroom-level skill integration.
* Mandated that these best practices be shared with other states for wider replication across India.
**Impact Analysis**
**SCERT Maharashtra and State Education Officials**
**Impact**
The state’s educational frameworks and technological initiatives have been identified as national benchmarks for NEP 2020 implementation.
**Action Required**
Must document and formalize best practices in digital pedagogy and skill integration to facilitate knowledge transfer to other states.
**Educators and Teachers**
**Impact**
Increased support for professional development through AI tools and digital platforms like "AI Saathi."
**Action Required**
Incorporate AI-enabled tools into lesson planning, assessment, and classroom delivery to improve educational outcomes.
**Students and Grassroots Learners**
**Impact**
Enhanced access to vocational training and skill-based education, particularly in remote areas through mobile delivery models.
**Action Required**
Engage with structured vocational pathways and "Skills on Wheels" initiatives to gain future-ready skills.
**Other State Governments**
**Impact**
Will gain access to proven templates for digital pedagogy and vocational integration.
**Action Required**
Prepare to review and replicate the documented best practices shared by Maharashtra to align with national education reforms.
Key Entities Referenced
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The overarching policy framework for educational reform in India whose implementation and progress were the primary focus of the review.
SCERT Maharashtra: The State Council of Educational Research and Training in Pune, which serves as the nodal agency for implementing academic initiatives and educational reforms in the state.
Jayant Chaudhary: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education who conducted the performance review.
Skills on Wheels: An innovative delivery model designed to bring vocational learning and skill-based education directly to grassroots-level learners.
PM SHRI Schools: A major educational initiative being implemented in Maharashtra to showcase the components of the National Education Policy.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary Reviews NEP
2020 Implementation and Education Reforms at
SCERT Maharashtra
Emphasises Strengthening Teacher Education and Scaling
Up Skills on Wheels for Future-Ready Learning
Posted On: 23 APR 2026 6:42PM by PIB Mumbai
Pune, 23 April 2026
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, visited the State Council of
Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Maharashtra, Pune, today and reviewed key
academic initiatives and progress on implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)
2020.
The Hon’ble Minister held detailed interactions with faculty and senior officials of SCERT
Maharashtra and reviewed the progress of major educational programmes being implemented
across the state, including the NIPUN Maharashtra Mission, the State Curriculum Framework, PM
SHRI Schools, vocational education pathways, digital learning initiatives, and the School Quality
Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF).
Shri Chaudhary took note of Maharashtra’s progress in leveraging technology in education
through AI-enabled tools, digital content platforms, and real-time data systems. He appreciated
initiatives such as AI Saathi for Educators, which is enabling teachers to use AI tools for lesson
planning, assessment, and content creation.The Hon’ble Minister reviewed the state’s efforts towards integrating skill education within the
school system through structured vocational pathways across multiple sectors and emphasised
the need to strengthen skill-based learning at all stages of schooling.
Shri Chaudhary underscored the critical importance of scaling up innovative last-mile skill
delivery models such as “Skills on Wheels”, which bring vocational learning directly to learners
at the grassroots level. He emphasised that such initiatives are essential for expanding access to
skill-based education and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Hon’ble Minister further directed that best practices developed in Maharashtra, particularly
in areas of digital pedagogy, skill integration, and classroom-level implementation, be
documented and shared with other States for wider replication.
Shri Sachin Pratap Singh, Commissioner (Education), Government of Maharashtra; Dr.
Nandkumar Bedse, Director In-Charge, SCERT Maharashtra; and other senior state education
officials were present during the visit.* * *
PIB Pune | Harshal Akude/Darshana Rane
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