Education policy refers to a comprehensive framework that guides the development of education in the country. It is the third time that independent India is witnessing the New Education Policy. On 29th July, 2020 at 4 pm the government announced the New Education Policy of the 21st century. This policy promises a myriad of changes that will be crucial for the betterment of not only the people but also the country in turn. The following blog helps you get an overview of the features of the New Education Policy or NEP 2020. The government aims at implementing this policy to grass root levels by 2040. This might look like a loooong time period but it is worth the wait. To know how, read the full blog.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted and I quote, “The policy is based on the pillars of ‘Access’, ‘Equity’, ‘Quality’, ‘Affordability’ and ‘Accountability’ and will transform India into a ‘Vibrant Knowledge Hub’”. This policy starts with the renaming of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) as the Ministry of Education. This renaming is a subtle hint to the forthcoming changes this policy is bringing with it. Let us begin with, when will this policy be introduced? Keeping the current pandemic in mind, the government has decided to begin the new session from September-October and hence will try to implant the bare minimum of this policy before the session commences. The government aims at implementing it by 2040. Is it possible? How will it be done? These are all future questions. What lies in front of us is to understand the key features of NEP.
The NEP has the following “key features” or “crucial reforms”:
- The policy will provide with a basic 5+3+3+4 structure instead of the 10+2 structure.
- This structure includes the Aanganwadi or preschool for children between 3-8 years and the ‘preparatory stage’ for age group 8-11, which will help them get acquainted to the school system.
- Regional language will be taught to students till grade 5. Foreign languages will be introduced at the secondary stage.
- NEP will encourage vocational courses and coding from class 6 (middle stage) onwards.
- It will also promote 10 bag-less days of informal internship.
- Subject wise committees will be set-up at the central and state level who will come together to decide the distinct and diverse course.
- Students will be free to choose subjects of their choice from grade 8 to 11. This will help them explore their horizons and decide for themselves the field they would want to walk in.
- Students will have the flexibility to choose majors and minors of their interest. This is one of the best reforms. A civil engineer can have geography as the minor subject. This will help the student have a better understanding about the weather conditions, landscape etc that will affect their creation in positive or negative ways and hence letting them form a better, stronger and durable things.
- Exams will now be based on aptitude, practical knowledge and understandings rather than rote learning.
- National Testing Agency will be set up for a common aptitude based university entrance exam.
- Tech and e-learning will be encouraged. This is introduced so as to have a smooth and efficient working in future during unprecedented times.
- Best universities from across the globe will open up their campuses here in India.
These were the basic New Education Policy features that you can read in detail at any page.
Now, I will tell you 6 such features that are less talked about.
- UGC and AICTE will be merged into HECI (Higher Education Commission of India). The HECI will have 4 verticals – Regulatory Council, National Accreditation Council, Education Grants Council and General Education Council.
- The NEP proposes the set up of an Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation (IITI). These will emphasis on Indian languages and Sanskrit. Translators and Interpreters will be the need of the future.
- Education sector will see a hike in its GDP from 1.7% to 6%. This is a massive move as this will promote funding which will led to effective functioning and good infrastructures.
- Teacher Training will be formulated. Before implementing the New Education Policy, it is necessary for the path guiders to be well equipped and aware about things. Hence the teacher training module has been implemented which will include 4 years of B.Ed (2 years if you have a bachelor’s degree in a different course), 50 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and a number of interviews and tests before you officially become a teacher.
- National Scholarship Portal for SC, ST, OBC and SEDG students. This portal will support, track and foster the students receiving the scholarships.
- Unit for Digital and Online Learning to ensure smooth functioning in unprecedented times.
The New Education Policy 2020 seems promising. It feels as if the future will not only be smart and intelligent, but also independent. They will not have to compromise their curricular interests for academics. Though this policy might face some backlash, but once implemented our students will be no less than anyone. They will be skilled in all the fields of their choices and interest. As laymen, we must support and help the government improvise on this policy. Also, we must read from various sources both pros and cons to get a better perspective.
#neweducationpolicy #nep #mhrd #vocationalcourses #foreignuniversities
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Thank you! 🙂
Tamanna Sharma 