Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme – DHRUV is a unique scheme launched in 2019 by the central government. The primary objective of the Dhruv scheme is to support talented school students. The scheme aims to realize their full potential and contribute to the welfare of society.

The topics related to the theme of important government schemes are often seen in the news, like Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme – DHRUV, are very important for the UPSC Civil services exam under the syllabus of General Studies (GS -2 and 3) paper. Time and again, direct factual and analytical approach-based questions have been asked about these topics. This article on Dhruv Scheme will help you to prepare for the Prelims and the Mains stage of the UPSC IAS/IPS exam.

This article will discuss in a detailed way about the launching date, objective, nodal ministry, and significance of the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme – DHRUV. 

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Fig. – Launch of PM Innovative Learning Programme (Source – PIB)

What is PM Innovative Learning Programme DHRUV?

PM Innovative Learning Programme(PMILP) -DHRUV is a new initiative started by the Government of India to identify and encourage talented school children to enrich their skills and knowledge. The Dhruv scheme will serve as a platform to discover the talent of exceptional and deserving students and assist them in achieving greatness in their chosen fields, whether it be science, the performing arts, creative writing, etc.

Launch

• The PM Innovative Learning Program-Dhruv was launched on 10th October 2019 by Union Human Resource Development Minister Mr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ from the Headquarters of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Nodal Ministry 

• The Nodal Ministry of the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme is the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education (formerly Human Resource Development(HRD) ministry).

Note – In August 2020, the name of the Human Resource Development(HRD) ministry was changed to the Ministry of Education. It was changed based on the recommendation of the National Education Policy (NEP).

Objectives of PM Innovative Learning Programme

Let us learn about the key objectives of the Dhruv learning programme:

• To encourage talented and gifted school children to enrich their skills and knowledge.
• To provide mentorship and nurture the children in centers of excellence by renowned experts in different fields.
• To focus on mainly two areas – Science and Performing Arts.
• To select 60 school children of class 9th to 12th from the whole country for the first batch of the programme.

Present Status of PM Innovative Learning Programme 

The PM Innovative Learning Programme DHRUV is presently undergoing across the country by selecting students from schools and then providing them exposure to advanced skills of innovation in science and performing arts.

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Salient Features of PM Innovative Learning Programme

The salient features of the PMILP Dhruv are given below:

• The students are selected from across the whole country; hence it also reflects the true spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat.
• In the initial stage, the programme will focus on including both streams of Science and the Performing arts.
• The programme will be known as DHRUV, and each student will receive a “PM Badge” and will be addressed as “DHRUV TARA”.
• There are 60 children from Class 9 to Class 12 are selected from across the country. Among these 60 students, 30 are from performing, and 30 are from science.
• The programme will cover both private and government school students.
• The programme will nurture gifted kids under the mentorship of experts in various fields.
• Students will get the opportunity to meet and interact with notable mentors and worldwide personalities.
• The selected students will tour scientific and cultural sites in Bengaluru and New Delhi.

Working of PM Innovative Learning Programme

Let us understand the working of the PM Innovative Learning Program and first understand the procedure for the selection of students for the programme.

• The advisory committee, under the chairmanship of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA), selects all the 60 children.
• The committees include representatives from the Ministry of Culture, the Department of Science and Technology, the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and NCERT.
• The criteria for the selection of students includes –
  •  Outstanding performers and rank holders.
  • Scholar of Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), Olympiads, National Talent Search Examinations (NTSE)

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The first batch of the DHRUV programme

Here are some key points about the first batch of the DHRUV programme:

• The DHRUV programme is a new initiative launched by the Government of India. It provides high-quality education to students from rural areas.
• The first batch of the program was launched in 2022. It consisted of 100 students from 10 different states.
• The students were selected through a rigorous selection process. The process included an entrance exam and an interview.
• The program will provide the students with a comprehensive education. It includes both academic and vocational training.
• The students will also be given opportunities to take part in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and culture.
• The DHRUV program is a significant initiative that will help to bridge the educational gap between rural and urban areas.

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Significance of PM Innovative Learning Programme 

• Platform for excellent students – The DHRUV will serve as a platform for showcasing the talents of excellent and worthy students, as well as supporting them in achieving success in their chosen professions, whether science, the performing arts, creative writing, or anything else.
• Inclusive Approach – In this program, gifted children are expected to make major contributions to society in addition to realizing their full potential under the guidance of experts.
• Role model for students – Dhruv Tara students will serve as role models for millions of children around the country. Many of the selected children are expected to flourish in their chosen fields and bring glory to their communities, states, and countries.
• Spillover effect – With measures like these, India will become a more attractive destination for innovation. The new and budding innovators will help the country reach its aim of a $5 trillion GDP in the next decade.
• No Financial blockade – Poverty will not prevent excelled students from learning and succeeding.

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Benefits of the PM Innovative Learning Programme 

• It will boost confidence and raise awareness and understanding about innovative activities all around the world.
• It will help in developing scientific temper and curiosity among the school students.
• It will promote creative thinking and artistic skills among children at a very early age.
• It will motivate children to learn advanced innovative skills in science and performing arts.
• It will provide exposure to new advancements and developments.

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PM Innovative Learning Programme DHRUV: Facts and Figures for UPSC

Facts related to Government schemes are very important for the UPSC exam. So, some of the noteworthy facts and figures of PM innovative learning programme DHRUV are given below in the following table:

Note: There is no full form of Dhruv, unlike other schemes. Here, Dhruv signifies the pole star and every student is referred to as DHRUV TARA. It is the brightest star which is also known as Polaris or Lodestar.

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Conclusion

• Innovation is a catalyst that will result in a huge transformation of society. It is the foundation of a country’s economy. As a result, it is not incorrect to state that innovation is a significant predictor of economic growth and social welfare.
• PM Innovative Learning Programme DHRUV is helping students to get exposure to innovative learning. Government should expand the program so that a large number of students can be benefited.

We hope all your doubts related to the topic of the PM Innovative Learning Programme DHRUV are addressed after going through this article. Testbook provides comprehensive notes for Civil services and various other competitive examinations. It has always assured the quality of its product, like content pages, live tests, Gk and current affairs, mocks, and so on.Ace your UPSC preparation with Testbook. Download the Testbook App now!

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs) related to PM Innovative Learning Programme DHRUV

Q How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. [UPSC Civil Services exam mains 2020]