NEP 2020

The National Education Policy 2020 approved by the Union government aims at overhauling the Indian education system which has so far remained highly examination-centric based on rote learning. As we see the world going through rapid changes in the knowledge landscape and job market, massive disruptions in the economy are expected as well. Consequently, a multi-disciplinary approach, skills, and abilities across science, commerce, and humanities will be in increasing demand. The framers of the NEP 2020 have thought it right to make the education system more holistic and skill-oriented.

Often experts and professionals question the quality and utility of the degrees awarded by our colleges and universities for not meeting the standards required for employment. It is an unpleasant truth that our education system does not really encourage critical thinking and reasoning which could be a contributing factor for lesser interest in research and innovation among our students. Also, India merely invests 0.69% of GDP in Research & Development. The NEP 2020 aims at overcoming these challenges and preparing our next generations for the better part of the 21st century.

It should be well appreciated that NEP 2020 has also resolved the most contentious issue of language subjects by providing the flexibility of choices and more importance to learning in mother-tongue. However, challenges like poor infrastructure, low-quality teaching, poor student-teacher ratio, and lack of investment still persist as critical problems in the sector. While the government has announced to invest 6% of the GDP in the sector, the overhaul will not be successful without more public-private partnerships. Additionally, the government must ensure that high-quality education continues to remain affordable, fair, and inclusive for all. The NEP 2020 is a step taken with a futuristic and democratic vision and should be welcomed for the sake of our future generations.

Himangka Kaushik,

Guwahati