Lucknow: Class I and II students in 32,480 primary schools across the state are now proficient in language and mathematics, shows the latest assessment done by the basic education department.With this, these schools have been declared Nipun (National initiative for proficiency in reading with understanding and numeracy). The govt aims to achieve basic FLN in all 1.1 lakh primary schools by 2027.Each of these schools will now receive financial assistance of ₹50,000 to be used for strengthening infrastructure and making available teaching materials. Teachers in these schools will be felicitated for their performance.The Nipun assessment was conducted by DElEd (Diploma in Elementary Education) trainees who visited schools in Jan.According to the data, the highest number of 1,002 Nipun schools are in Hardoi followed by 969 in Aligarh and 916 in Shahjahanpur. While 874 schools were assessed as Nipun in Maharajganj, 830 schools were from Kheri.The high numbers reflect quality improvement at grassroots level, said a govt spokesperson. All these schools will now display the ‘Nipun School’ logo on their premises, giving them a distinct identity.The results, said officials, are backed by extensive preparation. Teachers in basic schools have been trained in foundational literacy and numeracy (reading, writing and arithmetic). Smart classrooms and ICT labs have been developed in these schools.Officials have been asked to identify low-performing schools and make special efforts to bring them into the Nipun category, the spokesperson said.
