Strengthening Systems for Foundational Learning: Insights from the NIPUN Bharat Mission in Haryana

• In Event: Implementation Science? Decoding the complexity and contextual nature of system change work in large scale government-nonprofit collaborative programs in India

Proposal

The NIPUN Bharat Mission is a national program to transform the educational landscape in India, ensuring that all children achieve foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills by Grade 3. As part of this Mission, Haryana, a state in Northern India, has focused on the twin objectives of strengthening systemic capabilities and improving student learning outcomes.

Targeting over 868,000 students in Balvatika (Pre-K and K) and Grades 1 to 5 annually, the NIPUN Haryana Mission is shaping FLN delivery through a structured pedagogy approach that includes children’s learning materials, continuous teacher professional development, and iterative assessments that track the progress of student learning in real-time. A key systemic innovation is the introduction of digital systems for data collection and evidence-based decision making that enhances accountability, transparency, and an outcome focus at all levels, from the state level FLN steering committee to block-level implementation units. Dashboards offer a real-time view of key performance indicators on FLN-related factors to the educational administrators. Since 2022, the implementation of district scorecard-based reviews has fostered a culture of accountability and innovation, giving districts the autonomy to address performance gaps and build contextualized strategies that cater to local needs.

A critical component of successful state-wide implementation has been the role of nonprofits and their support of the NIPUN Haryana Mission. Their active involvement in teacher training, curriculum development, and community mobilization has strengthened the mission. The government and nonprofit collaboration has helped align systemic reforms with practical, outcome-based solutions for FLN Delivery.

This paper offers comprehensive insights into the systems and structures that drive large-scale government-nonprofit collaborations. Analyzing the systemic initiatives and reforms in Haryana contributes to the understanding of how targeted governance reforms and data-driven approaches can lead to sustainable improvements in FLN outcomes. By examining Haryana’s journey, this exploration highlights not only the innovations and adaptations that have made the NIPUN Bharat Mission impactful in Haryana but also the broader implications for scaling similar initiatives across diverse contexts. The mission’s capacity to blend systemic reform with localized implementation offers strong guidance for other states and countries striving to improve foundational learning at scale.

Authors

• Parmod Kumar, Department of School Education Govt.of Haryana

• BIDISHA BOSE, Language and Learning Foundation