New Education Policy : Allows Students To Take Break

In what can be a significant step towards Education Reforms, the Government of India today announced New Education Policy (NEP). After 34 long years, Indian government has resorted to do changes to the existing Education Policy and brought a New Education Policy which is expected to overhaul the education system in the country.

Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar and Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank have announced the NEP – 2020. This is following the Cabinet’s approval. Earlier on May 1st, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reviewed the NEP – 2020, the draft that was prepared by a panel of experts led by former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan. The New Education Policy has been in works since 2015. This has replaced the 1986 Education Policy of Congress era.

“The Cabinet under Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi has given approval to a new education policy for the 21st century. It is important, as for 34 years there were no changes in the education policy,” stated I&B Minister Prakash Javdekar.

According to NEP 2020, the major reforms in higher education include a target of 50% gross enrollment ratio by 2035 and provision for multiple entry or exit. “There will be an academic bank of credits, enabling students to take a break”, said Amit Khare, Secretary, HRD Ministry.

As per NEP 2020, e-courses will be developed in regional languages; virtual labs will be developed and a National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) is being created. Other features include graded academic, administrative and financial autonomy of institutions and a single regulator for all higher education, working under a self-disclosure based transparent system for approvals in place of numerous ‘inspections’.