The NEP is complete, comprehensive, visionary and plays a vital role in shaping the future of India, says Prof D Narayana Rao
After extensive discussions with a large number of people from different sectors, teachers, educationists, policy makers, institutions and voluntary organisations, the Government of India approved the National Education Policy 2020, drafted by a committee headed by Dr Kasturirangan. The NEP-2020 is a significant milestone in the history of Indian Education. The NEP is complete, comprehensive, far-sighted, visionary and plays a vital role in shaping the future of India.
The National Education Policy (NEP) laid the foundation for a 'New India' of the 21st century, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said during his inaugural speech of a conclave on “Transformational Reforms in Higher Education under the NEP”.
The New Education policy places a welcome emphasis on a holistic, student-centric, flexible system that aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge and Science & Technology - based society. The NEP is an appropriate balance of Indian ethos, Indian culture, pride and acceptance of the best ideas and learning practices from across the globe. The vision of NEP-2020 is truly global and at the same time Indian.
The policy gives a fillip to holistic education by envisioning the much needed and long awaited convergence of science and arts streams. NEP's sharp focus is on research, multi-disciplinary approaches and use of technology, and professional upgradation of teachers' competence to transform the landscape of Indian education. Undoubtedly, the NEP is poised to yield outstanding results in the fields of higher education, research and innovations, Science & Technology development in the country.
Many of you are aware that there had been no changes in the education system for many years, resulting in the promotion of a ‘herd mentality’ in the Indian society instead of the values of the curiosity and the imagination.
Higher Education is a critical contributor to sustainable livelihood and economic development of the nation. Higher education also plays a large and equally important role in developing India. Higher education aims to serve as a hub for developing ideas and innovations that enlighten individuals and help propel the country forward socially, scientifically, technologically and economically.
It is a fact that science and technology is the established currency in the geo-political world. Any country that has made advances in prosperity has invariably depended on Science and Technology. England became a world power; it was because of the industrial revolution. U.S became a superpower, it was primarily because of its technology, whether it is in transportation, agriculture, high-tech industry, medicine etc. I am very optimistic and confident that implementation of the NEP-2020 definitely contributes to technology development and quality education and will lay the foundation for New India of the 21st century.