Perspectives of NEP 2020

It was a joyous occasion and it was one that definitely called for a celebration. Amit, Prakruti’s elder son was going to Belgium to do MS after finishing his engineering course from a reputed institute in Bangalore. They had invited around 50 people for the celebration. Keeping in mind the pandemic situation, all social distancing norms and hygiene was followed. Mouth watering food was served to the guests. The guests came with congratulatory messages and showered praises on Prakruti’s son. 

Prakruti had already spoken so much to her guests.Her throat was parched after all that talking. She went to the kitchen to have a glass of water in solitude. As soon as she went in there she could hear sobs. She realised it was their house help Neha who was sobbing. “Hey Neha, what happened?” “Don’t worry. I know it’s late. We will drop you home and you can take a leave tomorrow.”

“It’s not that Didi. I’m not worried about it.”

“Then why are you crying?”

Neha wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and said, “Amit baba is so lucky. He gets to go abroad for further studies. What about our children Didi? In this country if you are poor, means that's the biggest crime. When will the children of the poor get a chance to do all this?"

“Oh! You don’t have to worry about that. The Government of India has brought out NEP 2020. By the time your Basant finishes studying, many foreign educational institutes would have started their branches in India and there would be no need for students from India to go abroad for further studies.”

“I don’t understand what you are saying Didi,” said Neha.

“Okay, come sit here. Let me tell you more about it. The Government of India has brought out National Educational Policy 2020 which will bring about radical changes in the field of education.” Some of these changes are-

The NEP proposes to open avenues of  Indian higher education to foreign universities. Very soon they will dismantle the UGC and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

 Also a four-year multidisciplinary undergraduate programme with multiple exit options, will be introduced so even if you drop out while pursuing a college degree , you have credits to your account and children will get the option of completing the course anytime they want to.

In school education, the policy will focus on overhauling the curriculum, introducing “easier” Board exams, and a reduction in the syllabus to retain “core essentials” and focus more on “experiential learning and critical thinking”. That will enable students to do things and learn. They can get apprenticeship while still being in school, if they choose any vocational course."

In a significant shift from the 1986 policy, which pushed for a 10 2 structure of school education, the new NEP proposes for a “5 3 3 4” design corresponding to the age groups 3-8 years (foundational stage), 8-11 (preparatory), 11-14 (middle), and 14-18 (secondary). This brings early childhood education (also known as pre-school education for children of ages 3 to 5) under the ambit of formal schooling. The mid-day meal programme will be extended to pre-school children. So we will be focusing on health and healthcare facilities at the grassroots level."

"If you ask me Neha, the policy looks very promising. They are also saying that children up to class 5 should be taught in their mother tongue or the regional language. How that works we need to wait and watch."

The policy also proposes phasing out of all institutions offering single streams and that all universities and colleges must aim to become multidisciplinary by 2040.

“So Neha you don’t have to worry for Basant at all. Come on now cheer up and join in the celebration.”

Prakruti could see smile spreading on Neha’s face.

“Plus to tie up any loose ends and find out the loop holes in the policy the government is seeking feedback from the stakeholders. The teachers, parents and students so that the necessary changes can be made in the policy.”

“So quality education will no longer be a privilege of a few people in the country. It will be available to all.”

“On that note lets spread happiness and cheer and contribute to the building of a Sashakta Bharat.”

Prakruti and Neha both smilingly carried snacks to serve to their guests.