"With the implementation of the newly launched National Education Policy (NEP-2020), India is on the verge of the becoming the Global Knowledge Power," said Union Minister of Education, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank. He was speaking during the National Discussion 'Shiksha Samwaad' on National Education Policy-2020 jointly organized by Education Promotion Society of India (EPSI) and Joint Association of Colleges, Punjab. Renowned Educationists, Academicians, faculty and students from all over India participated during the Shiksha Samwaad which saw in-depth analysis on the topic 'Vision of making India a Global Knowledge Superpower'.
While addressing through a virtual session, Dr. Pokhriyal said, "New Education policy aims at improving the Gross Enrollment Rate (GER) in Higher Education and Government of India has set a target of achieving 50% GER by 2035. To achieve this target, Government of India has decided to add 3.5 crore new seats in Higher Education Institutions of India by 2035." The minister further added that, "The New Education Policy announced by Government of India is based on 5 pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability & Accountability is aimed for Sustainable Development. NEP 2020 has not only been widely accepted and acclaimed in the nation but have been appreciated by other countries as the Government of India has already received request of the policy framework from 3 countries so that they can also draft a similar policy and implement in their respective nations."
"New Education Policy offers flexibility to the students both in terms of choosing the subjects of his/her own interest and also the flexibility to leave or continue the education at any stage. The student would be offered to earn a certificate after completion of one year, diploma after two years and degree after completion of three years," said Dr. Ramesh Pokhiriyal. Union Minister further added that, "As said by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new education policy lays emphasis on research being carried-out by Higher Education Institutions and Government has decided to formulate National Research Foundation with an initial annual budget of Rs. 20,000 crores (1% of GDP) which will help in funding the research projects undertaken by the students and faculty."
While giving importance to Indian Languages in National Education Policy, Dr. Pokhriyal said, "In order to improve the efficiency of the students, the new policy offers flexibility to the students to choose the medium of studying in their mother tongue. On the other hand, NEP-2020 also focuses on job oriented education and emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence for which the Government has planned to introduce Vocational Education from Class 6." Answering to the question of regulatory bodies and autonomy, Dr. Pokhriyal said, "Higher Education Institutions who are imparting quality education will be given greater autonomy and all the regulatory bodies would be scrapped and National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC) would regulate higher education which would be one umbrella government body for the institutions."
Speaking during the virtual session, Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre, MoS, Ministry of Education, said, "National Education Policy aims to provide world class education for the Indian students and focuses on installing moral values as well as job oriented skills amongst the youth. The policy also focuses on teachers training which is an important aspect of Higher Education as well as School Education."
