DGFT Digital Reform: News Context

• DGFT launched fully automated digital processing of Export Obligation Discharge Certificates (EODCs) for Advance Authorisation holders.
• The reform eliminates manual verification, reducing EODC processing time from weeks to near real-time.
• It is part of India’s broader trade facilitation agenda to reduce compliance burden on exporters.

DGFT: Concepts for Prelims

• DGFT is an attached office under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• It administers India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and foreign trade regulations.
• The current Foreign Trade Policy 2023 came into force on April 1, 2023.

DGFT Functions: Key Facts

• Issues Importer Exporter Code (IEC) — mandatory 10-digit code for any entity importing or exporting from India.
• Administers export promotion schemes including RoDTEP, MEIS, SEIS, EPCG, and Advance Authorisation.
• Notifies the SCOMET list (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) for dual-use export controls.
• Operates the DGFT Trade Portal (dgft.gov.in) for online IEC issuance, licence applications, and exporter services.

NEP 2020 Implementation: News Context

• The Ministry of Education reported significant progress in NEP 2020 implementation across school and higher education systems.
• Over 4,000 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have adopted the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) framework.
• India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education reached 28.4% (2021-22), targeting 50% by 2035.

School Education Initiatives: Key Facts for Prelims

• NEP 2020 restructured school education into 5+3+3+4 format (Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, Secondary stages).
• NIPUN Bharat Mission (2021): Ensures Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) by end of Grade 3.
• PM SHRI Schools: 14,500 schools upgraded as model institutions for NEP 2020 implementation.
• PARAKH: National assessment body under NCERT for Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge.

Higher Education Reforms: Key Facts

Digital Education Platforms: Concepts for Prelims

• DIKSHA: National digital platform for school education content in multiple languages.
• SWAYAM: Platform offering free online courses from school to postgraduate level.
• SWAYAM PRABHA: 32 DTH channels providing educational content 24×7.
• PM e-VIDYA: Integrates DIKSHA, SWAYAM PRABHA, and other e-learning resources into a single initiative.

NAVYA: Key Facts for Prelims

• NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.
• It is a joint pilot initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Target group: Adolescent girls aged 16 to 18 years with at least a Class 10 qualification.
• Focuses on non-traditional job roles and futuristic skill courses for girls.
• Implemented under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0).

NAVYA Implementation: Key Facts

• Initially covered 27 districts across 19 States, including Aspirational Districts and North-Eastern region.
• Monitored through Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) for real-time tracking of beneficiary registration, attendance, and certification.
• Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) implement the programme at the ground level.

NAVYA Components: Concepts for Prelims

• Industry-relevant skill courses with embedded On-the-Job Training (OJT).
• Mandatory Holistic Development Module covering digital literacy, financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship orientation.
• Converges with PM Vishwakarma Yojana and PMKVY for inter-ministerial coordination.