The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Ministry of Education has recently reiterated its commitment to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, prompting action from all state and union territory governments. This policy, a cornerstone of educational reform in India, encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s educational landscape.
Central to NEP 2020 is the guarantee of universal access to education from pre-primary levels through Grade 12. This includes a strong emphasis on early childhood care and education for children aged 3 to 6 years. A significant shift is the introduction of a new curricular structure, termed 5+3+3+4, designed to provide a more seamless and comprehensive educational experience.
The policy blurs traditional boundaries in education, merging arts and sciences, and integrating curricular, extra-curricular, and vocational learning. A National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy is set up to strengthen the base of education. Furthermore, it supports multilingualism, recommending instruction in the home or local language at least until Grade 5.
Reformative assessment methods are also a key feature, with the introduction of flexible board exams. The establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) as a new National Assessment Centre is a step towards more holistic educational evaluation.
Inclusivity is a major thrust, with special focus on education for socially and economically disadvantaged groups. A dedicated Gender Inclusion fund and Special Education Zones are to be established for regions and groups facing educational disadvantages. The policy also emphasizes transparent teacher recruitment processes and merit-based performance assessments.
Resources are to be consolidated through school complexes and clusters, and a State School Standards Authority (SSSA) will be established for oversight. Vocational education is to be embedded at both school and higher education levels. The aim is to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 50%.
The policy introduces holistic multidisciplinary education with flexible entry/exit options in higher education, a common entrance exam for higher education institutions (HEIs), and an Academic Bank of Credit. Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs), a National Research Foundation (NRF), and comprehensive ‘Light but Tight’ regulation are also planned.
The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) will be an overarching body, excluding medical and legal education, comprising independent bodies for standard setting, funding, accreditation, and regulation. The policy also aims to expand open and distance learning, and internationalize education.
Professional education will be integrated into the higher education system, with technical, health science, legal, and agricultural universities evolving into multidisciplinary institutions. A four-year integrated B.Ed program will revamp teacher education. The establishment of a National Mission for Mentoring and the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) will further enhance the education sector.
Achieving 100% youth and adult literacy and introducing measures to prevent the commercialization of higher education are also outlined. Educational institutions will adhere to ‘not for profit’ standards of audit and disclosure.
In terms of funding, both the Centre and States aim to increase public investment in the education sector to 6% of GDP. The NEP 2020 has been discussed and reviewed in various forums, including the National Education Ministers’ Conference and the National Conference of Chief Secretaries, to address concerns and gather innovative ideas for its implementation.
This detailed plan, shared by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Subhas Sarkar, in the Rajya Sabha, represents a comprehensive effort to overhaul and enhance India’s educational framework, aiming for an inclusive, accessible, and advanced system.