Brief Summary
This episode of Perspective on Sansad TV discusses the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its implementation in reshaping India's education landscape. The discussion covers key achievements, challenges, and future priorities in achieving the ambitious goals of NEP 2020, including increasing the gross enrollment ratio (GER) to 50% by 2035 and aligning higher education with the vision of a developed India by 2047.
- Increased enrollment, especially among women and marginalized communities.
- Emphasis on multi-disciplinarity, digital transformation, and skill-based education.
- Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy, and the use of mother tongue in early education.
Introduction: NEP 2020 - Five Years of Implementation
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks its fifth anniversary, prompting a review of its implementation and alignment with the vision of a developed India by 2047. A conference of central university vice-chancellors was held in Gujarat to discuss these issues. Union Education Minister Dhmandra Padhan highlighted that total enrollments have risen to 4.46 crore, a 30% increase since 2014-15, with female enrollment surging by 38%. The minister urged universities to adopt a student-first approach, focusing on growth, skilling, and innovation, guided by the five resolutions of NEP 2020.
Progress in Implementing NEP 2020 in Higher Education
The NEP 2020, formulated after extensive consultations, introduces significant structural changes in higher education, including the restructuring of universities, colleges, and programs. The policy promotes multi-faculty institutions to allow students to study subjects of their choice. Many universities have implemented multi-disciplinarity, giving students the choice to select subjects from various departments. The policy also introduces multiple entry and exit options, with certificates, diplomas, and degrees awarded after one, two, three, or four years of study, respectively.
Teacher Training and Foundational Literacy
The NEP 2020 places a strong emphasis on foundational literacy, supported by reforms in school education and teacher training. Policy dissemination has occurred across the country, with various initiatives such as the Sarthak document providing implementation guidelines. National curriculum frameworks for foundational and secondary education are in place, with frameworks for teacher and adult education forthcoming. A historic achievement is the NCF for the foundational stage, focusing on improving literacy and numeracy. The NCERT has developed guidelines under the Nipun Bharat Mission to ensure every child attains foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of grade 3 by 2026-27.
Multilingualism in Education
The NEP 2020 emphasizes the use of mother tongue or local language in early education. Efforts are being made to provide literature in various languages, addressing the challenge of non-availability of resources in regional languages. Curricular resources and textual material are being translated into regional languages by states and NCERT. Teacher preparation programs promote flexibility in understanding local languages, encouraging teachers to respect and understand various languages in the classroom, fostering a democratic environment and cultural understanding.
Increasing Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education
The goal is to increase the gross enrollment ratio (GER) to 50% by 2035 from the current 28.6%. The female GER is already higher than that of males. Recommendations include establishing more universities and colleges, promoting private institutions, and expanding open and online education. Regular universities are now allowed to offer online programs, adding validity to online education. The eligible enrollment ratio, considering only those who have passed 12th grade, is already around 67%. Emphasis is needed on improving school education to increase the number of students passing 12th grade, thereby boosting higher education enrollment.
Digital Transformation in Higher Education
The NEP 2020 emphasizes technological integration in higher education, with the creation of the National Education Technology Forum (NETF). SWAYAM, India's MOOCs platform, offers curriculum-based programs, allowing students to take up to 40% of courses in a regular program online. Fully online programs are also available. Technology, especially AI, is changing teaching methods, enabling personalized learning approaches. Academic and Administrative Development Centers (AADCs) are being established to train teachers in using technology for teaching, learning, research, and governance, ensuring quality education reaches remote areas.
Continuous Professional Development for Teachers
Continuous professional development is emphasized in the NEP 2020, mandating 50 hours of in-service training for teachers annually. The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) is being piloted across 62 institutions. Initiatives for continuous professional development include the NISHTHA program, a mega-training program for teachers, conducted in multiple languages with various modules, guidelines, and e-content. The program certifies teachers through online modules, focusing on school administrators and vocational education.
Vision 2047: Priorities for Higher Education
By 2047, India aims to be a global destination for affordable, quality education. Affordability and quality are key, attracting both Indian and foreign students. Currently, India hosts around 49,000 foreign students, with a goal to increase this number significantly. The creation of supernumerary seats at 15% aims to accommodate more foreign students, positioning India as a preferred destination for quality education at a lower cost compared to Western countries.
Ensuring Students Remain at the Heart of Transformation
Ensuring that students remain at the heart of educational transformation involves experiential learning, toy-based pedagogy, and sports-based pedagogy to create a vibrant and welcoming school environment. Initiatives include integrating vocational education from standard sixth onwards and implementing bagless days. The PM Shri schools initiative aims to create state-of-the-art schools showcasing NEP 2020 implementation. Digital integration and student-centric classrooms, books, and pedagogy are emphasized, with continuous professional development programs focusing on student-centeredness to make learning joyful and prepare students with futuristic skills.
