The National Education Policy (NEP) seems to be aligned with the global education development agenda outlined in Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Let’s look at some highlights of this policy.
- Inclusive and Quality Education (SDG4): The policy emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable quality education for all, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Teacher Empowerment: The central role of teachers in the education system is highlighted, and the policy aims to empower and elevate teachers to be respected members of society.
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): The importance of early childhood development is recognized, and efforts are proposed to strengthen Anganwadi Centres to provide quality ECCE, ensuring that all children are school-ready.
- Health and Nutrition: Recognizing the impact of health and nutrition on learning, the policy proposes addressing children’s nutrition and health (including mental health) within the schooling system.
- Flexible Learning Pathways: The scope of school education is broadened to facilitate multiple pathways, including Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs, to cater to diverse learning needs.
- Curriculum Reforms: It is proposed that the curriculum be reduced to enhance essential learning and critical thinking, focusing on moral and ethical values, including traditional Indian values.
- Examination Reforms: Reforms in secondary school exams are suggested to reduce the coaching culture, making exams more accessible and encouraging holistic development. Multiple opportunities for students to take Board Exams are also proposed.
- Special Education: The need for additional special educators is acknowledged, particularly in subject teaching for children with disabilities. Certificate courses for specializations are recommended.
- Gender Inclusion: A ‘Gender-Inclusion Fund’ is proposed to address disparities and barriers faced by girls and transgender students in accessing education. Similar funds are suggested for other socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
- School Rationalization and Community Building: Mechanisms to group or rationalize schools are suggested to ensure adequate resources, community building, and improved governance.
- Regulatory Framework: A balanced regulatory approach for public and private schools is emphasized to prevent commercialization and encourage public-spirited private schools.
- Globalization of Education: India aims to be promoted as a global study destination, and efforts will be made to facilitate collaborations with foreign institutions.
- Digital Education: The benefits of online/digital education are recognized, but the policy stresses eliminating the digital divide and providing suitable teacher training.
- Increased Investment: A commitment to significantly raise educational investment is made, with the goal of reaching 6% of GDP in public investment in the education sector.
This comprehensive summary of the NEP 2020 looks excellent on paper, right? I would say it is as good as any developed or first-world nation’s education policy! Sadly, that illusion quickly breaks down as you start experiencing and analysing the ground realities of our education system. To understand this better, let’s look at few recent headlines that made it to the news. Do remember the following headlines are just the tip of the iceberg, considering most incidents don’t even make it to the news in India. As per the World Economic Forum, 2024; India is the country where the risk of disinformation and misinformation is ranked the highest!
- Dalit Students Forced to Clean Septic Tank in Karnataka – Dec, 2023: In Karnataka, Dalit students were compelled to clean a septic tank, leading to the arrest of the school principal and a teacher.
- Mid-Day Meal Issues in Uttar Pradesh Schools – Aug, 2022: Schools in Uttar Pradesh face challenges in serving mid-day meals due to delayed funds, with some teachers and village heads using personal funds. A case has been filed against a journalist for exposing poor quality meals in Mirzapur.
- Alarming Rise in Student Suicides in India: India witnessed a 4.5% increase in student suicides in 2021, with over 13,000 students taking their lives, revealing a concerning trend of rising mental health issues among students. In 2023, the IIT coaching hub of Kota alone recorded 26 suicides in a single year.
- Incidents Involving IIT Graduates – Oct, 2021: Various incidents involving IIT graduates, including threats against Virat Kohli’s daughter, sexual assault allegations, and criminal activities, highlight concerns about the behavior and mental health of individuals associated with prestigious institutions.
- Unemployment Rate Climbs in India – Nov, 2023: India’s unemployment rate reaches its highest in over two years, with the overall rate at 10.05% in October. Rural unemployment rises significantly, while the urban rate sees a stagnation over the last 5 years.
- Indian Students Abroad and Skill Gap – Sep, 2023: The number of Indian students studying abroad increases, particularly in the US. In fact, at 1.65 lakh students per academic year, this is the highest jump in the last 15 years, surpassing China. But a UNICEF report highlights that over 50% of South Asian students lack the necessary skills for employment. India’s literacy rate may have reached 74%, but challenges persist in adapting to the 21st century skills.
The National Education Policy 2020 faces criticism for increased burdens on students, including a mandatory regional language, and concerns are raised about its applicability. The DMK government in Tamil Nadu opposes a three-language policy, public exams for certain standards, and a four-year degree program, citing misalignment with the current education model. The focus on a two-language policy is emphasized.
The All India Save Education Committee (AISEC) in Karnataka submitted a report highlighting challenges faced by educational institutions due to the hurried implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020). The report, presented to the Chairman of State Education Policy, expressed concerns about the NEP’s multiple entry-exit system, with over 96% of surveyed students feeling it doesn’t guarantee jobs if they drop out. AISEC urged against retaining four-year degree courses in Karnataka, citing inadequate infrastructure and faculty. The report defended the existing triple major degree system for its multi-disciplinary approach, criticizing NEP’s emphasis on a ‘single-disciplinary’ structure with one major, one minor, and one elective subject. Additionally, the report highlighted the lack of trained lecturers and emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and teaching methods in universities.
The Kerala government raised concerns about the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, stating that the NCERT made controversial deletions in textbooks for classes 11 and 12. Kerala’s CM alleged that these deletions, including topics like Mughal history, the industrial revolution, and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, were made for political interests, potentially whitewashing historical events. The state prepared additional textbooks, reinstating the removed portions, to counter what it sees as a threat to social values and secular perspectives in education.
The West Bengal government rejected NEP 2020 citing concerns over the proposed 5+3+3+4 structure, preferring the existing 10+2+3 system. Worries about a common entrance test disadvantaging rural students, potential sidelining of regional languages, and skepticism towards increased private-sector participation in education were highlighted. The rejection is grounded in the belief that education, being a state subject, should not face central imposition, emphasizing the state’s autonomy in shaping its educational policies.
Last, but not the least, here are some very disturbing highlights from the latest ASER report: Students between the ages of 14 and 18 in private and government institutions, 1 in every 4 students in rural India cannot read a class 2 level text in English fluently. Although 86.8% of children got enrolled in educational institutions, the dropout rate in senior classes still stand at more than 20%.
As a former Teach For India Fellow, I can rightly say all the issues mentioned in the few news headlines and by some states are the sad reality of the Indian Education System. Striving for a student-centric classroom can be the start of achieving many greater things. But obviously our ratio of student to teacher and the overall infrastructure of public institutions are inversely proportional to achieving that dream classroom of any student. While developed countries around the world allocate 6% and above in the budget for education, India still stands at 2.9% as of 2023. Judicious allocation and use of money, along with eradication of corruption would be a starter pack for us even to begin dreaming. Let’s hope that day comes soon. Till then, NEP 2020 would definitely look great on paper, but hollow in terms of implementation.