**Executive Summary**
On April 23, 2026, Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary visited SCERT Maharashtra to review the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and various academic reforms. The review focused on strengthening teacher education, scaling up the "Skills on Wheels" initiative, and integrating digital tools like AI into the classroom. The Minister directed that Maharashtra’s best practices in digital pedagogy and skill integration be documented for nationwide replication.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**NEP 2020 and Academic Initiatives**
* Reviewed the progress of the NIPUN Maharashtra Mission and the State Curriculum Framework.
* Assessed the implementation of PM SHRI Schools and the School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF).
* Evaluated structured vocational education pathways designed to integrate skill-based learning at all schooling stages.
**Technological Advancements in Education**
* Emphasized the use of AI-enabled tools, digital content platforms, and real-time data systems to enhance learning.
* Highlighted the "AI Saathi for Educators" initiative, which assists teachers in lesson planning, assessment, and content creation.
**Vocational Training and Grassroots Outreach**
* Underscored the importance of scaling "Skills on Wheels" to provide last-mile vocational learning directly to grassroots learners.
* Linked these initiatives to the broader vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047" by expanding access to skill-based education.
**Knowledge Sharing and Documentation**
* Issued a directive to document Maharashtra’s successful models in digital pedagogy and skill integration.
* Ordered the sharing of these documented best practices with other Indian states for wider replication.
**Impact Analysis**
**SCERT Maharashtra and State Education Officials**
**Impact:** Recognized for progress in technology and curriculum reforms; identified as a model for other states.
**Action Required:** Document successful classroom-level implementations and digital pedagogy practices for national sharing.
**Educators and Teachers**
**Impact:** Empowered through strengthened teacher education and specialized AI tools.
**Action Required:** Utilize "AI Saathi" and other digital platforms for lesson planning, assessments, and content creation.
**Students and Learners**
**Impact:** Increased access to vocational training and skill-based education through initiatives like "Skills on Wheels."
**Action Required:** Engage with new vocational pathways and grassroots learning models provided through the school system.
**Other Indian States**
**Impact:** Potential beneficiaries of Maharashtra’s documented educational best practices.
**Action Required:** Prepare to review and replicate documented models in digital pedagogy and skill integration once shared.
Key Entities Referenced
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The national framework guiding the educational reforms and academic initiatives reviewed for implementation progress in Maharashtra.
Jayant Chaudhary: Union Minister of State for Education and Skill Development who conducted the review of educational initiatives and technology integration.
SCERT Maharashtra: The State Council of Educational Research and Training, the primary nodal agency in Maharashtra responsible for implementing curriculum frameworks and teacher training.
Skills on Wheels: An innovative delivery model aimed at bringing vocational learning and skill-based education directly to learners at the grassroots level.
PM SHRI Schools: A centrally sponsored scheme for developing high-quality schools, mentioned as a key educational program being implemented across the state.
Ministry of Education
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 6:48PM 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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