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Context:

• The Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) unveiled three initiatives aimed at enhancing the availability of educational resources in Indian languages.

ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing)

Aims:

• To develop 1,000 books in 22 languages within five years, resulting in 22,000 books in Bharatiya bhasha

Joint effort

• It is a joint effort between the UGC(University Grants Commission) and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a high-powered committee established by the ministry.

Nodal universities

• Thirteen nodal universities have been identified to lead the project, along with member universities from various regions.

SOPs

• The UGC has created a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the book-writing process in each assigned language.
• The SOP includes the identification of nodal officers, authors, allocation of title, subject and programme, writing and editing, submission of the manuscript, review and plagiarism check, finalisation, designing, proof-reading and e-publication.

Objectives

• To promote and integrate Indian languages more deeply into the education system to make the learning experience and make it more inclusive.
• It is a part of a broader strategy to enhance the accessibility and quality of educational materials across various Indian languages.

'Bahubhasha Shabdakosh'

• The ministry also launched the "Bahubhasha Shabdakosh"
• It is a single-point reference for all the words in all Indian languages and their meanings.
• This initiative will be developed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in collaboration with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti.
• It will help in using Bharatiya words, phrases and sentences for various new-age domains like IT, industry, research, and education.

Real Time Translation Architecture

• While details have not been provided about it, the launch of a Real-time Translation Architecture was mentioned as part of the trio of initiatives unveiled alongside ASMITA and the Bahubhasha Shabdakosh.

Significance:

Empowering Learners

• Initiatives will help students learn in Indian languages, support their academic growth, and preserve India's languages.

Bridging Linguistic Divides

• The ASMITA project and its efforts will make it easier for students from different backgrounds to access education by providing materials in many Indian languages.

Promotion of Social Cohesion

• These initiatives can bring people together by promoting understanding and respect for India's languages and cultures.

Global Citizenship

• These initiatives will help young Indians become responsible global citizens by learning about different cultures and languages.

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UGC

Sources:

• https://www.indiatvnews.com/education/news/centre-ugc-launches-asmita-project-to-produce-22000-books-in-indian-languages-education-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-2024-07-17-942184
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-launches-project-to-produce-22-000-books-in-indian-languages-101721138657223.html

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.With reference to the ASMITA initiative (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing), consider the following statements: ASMITA aims to promote academic research in endangered Indian Languages. It is a joint effort between the UGC(University Grants Commission) and Ministry of education. The "Bahubhasha Shabdakosh" is designed to serve as a comprehensive dictionary for all Indian languages and helps in the translation of modern terms into these languages. Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above Answer: b