-Kuhu Sharma Economics Hons student, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi
In July 2020, the cabinet approved the National Education Policy 2020, replacing the earlier policy of 1986. The policy aims for a major overhaul of the Indian education system to be more in line with the advancements made in the 21stcentury.
Under this policy, allocation on public education has been raised from 4.6% to 6% of the GDP. The policy aims to transform the education system by 2040. By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a four year integrated B.Ed. Teachers will also be given training in online educational methods in relation to the Covid crises to help bridge the digital divide.
For school education, the policy aims to universalize education from preschool to secondary level with 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio by 2030. There will be a new school curriculum with focus on coding and development of vocational skills from class 6. The policy aims to transform the typical rote learning system into a framework where the core understanding of the students will be tested.
To ensure that students concentrate on studies, they will get nutritious benefits along with a mid day meal program. As witnessed by the bicycle program of Bihar such incentive schemes do increase enrollment in schools.
The school governance will change with an independent authority which will regulate both public and private schools. This is important because more often than not when rules and regulations are imposed by law on education bodies dire action is taken against the private sector schools while the government owned schools are written off with a mere writeup.
Schools will have less distinction between topics like ‘Arts’ or ‘Humanities’. The students will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of subjects be it vocational or academic. The plan is to have a common aptitude test for admission to universities.
In terms of higher education the main aim of the policy is to double the Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education, from 26.3% in 2018 to 50% by 2035, while also creating new seats. The aim is to set up undergraduate degrees such that if one wants to quit after a year they will receive a diploma and if they do so after 2 years they get an advanced diploma and so on. This offers students the choice and flexibility to complete or pursue their education as per their individual circumstances.
Through this policy the colleges will become multidisciplinary institutions by providing wide range of subjects. Students will be given financial aid if they are found to belong to socially and economically disadvantaged sections of the societies.
The policy is not without its demerits. The funding of 6% of GDP by the government keeping in mind the current economic slowdown along with the COVID crisis is not the best option. There are other sectors which are in much more need of Government funds.
While the policy strives for digital mediums it glosses over the lack of internet connectivity and more importantly electronic devices with children. While the private schools may still be able to maintain contact with students online, government school students who lack access to technology have in fact lagged behind their peers. There is a need for Government intervention to bridge this gap.
The policy does not address the lack of infrastructure in educational institutions and the shortage of teachers. In fact, private budget schools should be given more leeway under the ambit of the policy so that they are allowed to function even more, but that has not been the case.
The policy is encouraging in its adaptability to the changing dynamics of the 21st century and the expected requirements of the future workforce. According to the UNFPA, India is expected to have the youngest population of workforce and is expected to have one of the largest demographic dividends and for that we need to generate more skill. The implication of which is that we will be able to export our labour if enough skill and academic knowledge is imparted to the young minds of today.
