Introduction
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the third edition of its key program, the AICTE-VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) scheme. This initiative shows AICTE’s commitment to promoting Indian languages in technical education. The launch event was led by AICTE Chairman, Prof. Yogesh Singh, who also introduced the scheme’s official document and an online portal for submitting applications.
At the event, Prof. Yogesh Singh explained the main goals of the VAANI scheme. He said the program aims to build a strong and inclusive knowledge system in regional languages. It will help students and researchers access the latest technology information in their native languages. Prof. Singh also mentioned that the scheme supports publishing research papers in Indian languages, encouraging cooperation between universities and industries. This cooperation is important to spread technical knowledge widely across different language groups.
Addressing Language Barriers in Education
Prof. Singh pointed out a major problem: many students who study in their mother tongue find it hard to adjust to higher education, where English is often used. He noted that students learn better when taught in their native language. This shows the need to change education so that language does not block students from learning advanced topics.
Financial Support and Implementation
To support the VAANI scheme, AICTE has set aside Rs. 4 crore each year. This money will fund about 200 conferences, seminars, and workshops. Each chosen institution will get Rs. 2 lakh to hold these events. The workshops will last two to three days and will be held in 22 regional languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Urdu, and others.
Focus Areas and Application Process
The scheme covers 16 key areas in new technology fields like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Quantum Technology, Hydrogen Energy, Cybersecurity, Space and Defense, and Agrotech. AICTE-approved institutions can apply through the AICTE-ATAL portal. The application period is from April 18 to May 17, 2026. Institutions are encouraged to apply to improve their educational programs.
Impact of the VAANI Scheme
Since it started, the VAANI scheme has made great progress in using Indian languages in education. It has helped publish over 200 research papers in various Indian languages, building a strong knowledge base. The program has also promoted creating content and partnerships between schools and industries. By supporting equal access and inclusion in technical education, the VAANI scheme helps create a fairer education system across India.
