By promoting multilingualism, skill development and character-building, NEP 2020 aims to empower students to tackle both national and global challenges
On July 29, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 completed four years, a transformative framework that has reshaped the country’s educational landscape by connecting contemporary needs with its traditional roots. NEP 2020 stands as the first education policy since independence that genuinely aligns with Bharat’s ancient traditions, advocating for accessible, quality education with an emphasis on relevance and inclusivity.
The policy introduces a host of progressive features, such as flexible study options, multiple entry and exit points, the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), credit transfer mechanisms, and a focus on online courses, aiming to create a seamless, adaptable educational journey for learners across the nation.
A defining aspect of NEP 2020 is its commitment to the five foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability.
NEP 2020 brings traditional values, arts, languages and culture into the mainstream curriculum, underscoring Bharat’s ambition to reclaim its heritage as a knowledge superpower.
One of the most notable additions is the incorporation of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), promoting the revival and research of traditional subjects such as Vedic mathematics, Ayurveda, environmental studies, linguistics, Yoga and other indigenous disciplines. This shift helps bridge the gap left by prior policies, which often neglected or excluded these areas under the influence of Western paradigms. The NEP also recommends a three-language formula, promoting multilingualism by including at least two Indian languages in school curricula. While this policy is intended to support India’s linguistic diversity, it faced resistance in some non-Hindi-speaking states, where concerns about linguistic hegemony and regional language preservation surfaced.
The central government may need to address these concerns carefully, especially given education’s status on the Concurrent List, to ensure a balanced approach that respects regional identities while achieving national integration. The policy’s emphasis on Sanskrit, often regarded as a foundational element of Bharat’s cultural heritage, is a major milestone. With Sanskrit included as an optional language under the three-language formula, both school and higher education institutions are encouraged to integrate it into their curricula. NEP serves as a turning point in Bharat’s educational history, aiming to foster character development and national pride alongside academic excellence. NEP 2020 emphasises two overarching themes: nurturing Indian values and fostering character-building among students. This holistic approach is intended to develop responsible, ethical citizens ready to tackle both national and global challenges.
Despite allegations of “saffronisation,” proponents argue that the NEP aims to realign the educational system with what benefits the nation and its people. Science and history, though based on facts, are often viewed through the lenses of time and place. A major thrust of NEP 2020 is skill development, with the objective of enhancing employability by integrating vocational training and practical learning into the curriculum. The inclusion of courses on data structures, programming, machine learning and artificial intelligence is intended to prepare students for a tech-driven future. NEP 2020 also encourages societal engagement through initiatives like internships and community visits, fostering creativity and real-world problem-solving skills. Institutions like NIT Uttarakhand have already embraced the NEP’s multidisciplinary model, focusing on research and innovation to build a skilled and socially conscious workforce.
(The author is the BJP Councilor, New Delhi; views are personal)
