Any nation with a huge and large population including India like a mixture of varied cultures has never been an easy task of providing better education to the people. Government of India made a concrete step in this direction with regard to the National policy on Education that was announced in 1986. It is under this policy that the idea of DIET (District Institute of Education and Training) was initiated. It was quite a visionary step, the principal goal of which was to offer high-quality training to staff in charge of teaching and encourage educational innovations.
Establishment of DIET: Beginning of quality-based teacher training
In the 1980s, it became clear that if the education system is to be strengthened, then first of all it is necessary to focus on teacher training. Thinking this, the government decided to establish an institution in every district that could train teachers, teacher trainers and other educational personnel. Thus, DIET was established – an institute that not only imparts training but also becomes a center of educational excellence.
The purpose of establishing DIET was not limited to just pre-service and in-service teacher training, but the institute also undertakes the responsibility of identifying local educational needs and developing teaching strategies accordingly.
Change in role: From local needs to national policies
Over time, the role of DIET has changed drastically. It is no longer just a centre for teacher training, but has become a fundamental pillar for improving the quality of education in the entire district. DIET today works with schools to identify the special needs of students and develop educational strategies accordingly.
Along with this, DIET works with the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to prepare curriculum framework so that it matches the national policies and also meets local needs.
Contribution to innovation and teacher empowerment
Any education system becomes alive through insertion of experimentation and innovation in education. DIET is continuously making progress in this sense. This facility does not just come up with a new method of teaching, but also makes sure that such methods are introduced. To encapsulate the teachers with new methods and training tools, DIET constantly offers refresh courses, workshops and seminars.
DIET strives to make teachers not just subject experts, but also a competent teaching-actor who can adapt himself according to the needs of the students.
DIET at present: Synonymous with quality in education
Today, DIET is recognized as a center of academic excellence and professional development in India. These institutes are not only playing a role in teacher formation, but are also participating in the overall development of the education system. However, it would be fair to say that the original spirit of DIETs – revolutionary change in the education system – has not been fully realized yet.
Challenges and the way forward
Although DIETs have achieved many important achievements in the field of education, many challenges still remain. In many districts, DIETs have limited physical infrastructure, human resources and technical resources. At times, lack of policy support and administrative complexities hamper the efficiency of these institutions.
What is needed is that the central and state governments together empower these institutions – provide them with adequate budget, modern resources and trained staff. Only then will DIETs be able to use their real potential and bring about the change in the Indian education system that is needed today as much as it was in 1986.
Conclusion: An institution that strengthens the foundation of education
District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET) have become the backbone of India’s education system. Their role has not been limited to just training teachers, but these institutes have emerged as centres of innovation, quality and equity in the field of education.
While on one hand DIETs have changed the face of education in many districts, on the other hand it is also true that the full potential of these institutes has not been utilized yet. If the attention of the policy makers is focused in the right direction and these institutes are equipped with the necessary resources at the grassroots level, then DIETs can set new benchmarks in the field of education in the future.
DIET not only produces teachers, but also lays the foundation of an intellectual society – a society that becomes an example of knowledge, understanding and harmony.
