GS3 PYQ(Mains Answer Writing): National Educational Policy | Indian Economy for UPSC CSE PDF Download

National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC GS3 Mains)

The government unveiled the new National Education Policy bringing a number of reforms almost after 34 years. The NEP committee under Dr Kasturirangan’s leadership recognises the fundamental differentiators, and has laid out a far-reaching vision to create learning environments that are multidisciplinary, that cater to a well-rounded education for all individuals, and has the immense potential to transform India’s human capital development. National Education Policy 2020 and Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030) Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) is the education goal .It aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” The following are the areas where the National Education policy reforms intersect with the SDG 4: SDG 4.2 Equal access to quality pre-primary education. 

• Under NEP the biggest win is that there is special attention to 3-6 years of age. This was a major drawback of the Right to Education Act, 2008. SDG 4.3 Equal Access to Affordable Technical and Vocational Education 
• Under NEP vocational education will be provided at a younger age and technical skills such as coding will begin from as early as 6th standard. SDG 4.4 Increase the number of people with relevant skills for financial success 
• Under NEP the curriculum design in higher and school education has shifted from the erstwhile 10+ 2 model. With a 5+3+3+4 model, clearer benchmarks are defined which will lead to better outcomes. SDG 4.5 Eliminate Discrimination in Education 
• Under NEP, the Digital Divide is proposed to be bridged by setting a new unit which addresses Internet-based e-learning, Digital learning, infrastructure and capacity building. SDG 4.6 Universal literacy and numeracy 
• • Under NEP a National Foundation of Literacy and Numeracy will be set up to provide basic literacy and numeracy skills by 3rd grade. How NEP 2020 intends to restructure and reorient education system in India 
• The NEP proposes sweeping changes including opening up of Indian higher education to foreign universities, dismantling of the UGC and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), introduction of a four-year multidisciplinary undergraduate programme with multiple exit options, and discontinuation of the M Phil programme. 
• In school education, the policy focuses on overhauling the curriculum, “easier” Board exams, a reduction in the syllabus to retain “core essentials” and thrust on “experiential learning and critical thinking”. 
• In a significant shift from the 1986 policy, which pushed for a 10+2 structure of school education, the new NEP pitches 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. The NEP says students until Class 5 should be taught in their mother tongue or regional language. 
• 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. Flaws in proposed restructuring 
• Regional and local languages will be promoted but somehow, English will take a back seat. 
• The proposed institutional framework for higher education clearly reflects even more governmental control with considerable levels of centralization than what is already the case. 
• Implementing so many regional or local languages in different states will be difficult to assess whether they all are on the same platform or syllabus. 
• According to the national education policy 2020, students willing to complete their graduation have to study for four years while one can easily complete his/ her diploma degree in two years. This might encourage the pupil to leave the course midway 
• Neglected the question of Under-Represented Groups (URGs) who are outside school education currently. 

Way forward 

• Language: A language is mainly a utilitarian tool for acquiring knowledge. While learning new languages is indeed beneficial, compulsory learning should be restricted to one’s own mother tongue. 
• Consensus: Education is a concurrent list subject. In addition to the consensus between the centre and the states, all the other stakeholders such as educational institutions, public and academicians should also be consulted. 
• Natal and prenatal studies: should also be included in the Indian education system to create awareness about the issues regarding the mother and infants, in view of the high Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in the country. 
• Teacher Training: There should be a course of Masters of Teacher Education. Furthermore, there is a need to establish good teacher training institutions. 

Conclusion 
National Education Policy 2020 is sweeping in its vision and seeks to address the entire gamut of education. It acknowledges the 21st century need for mobility, flexibility, alternate pathways to learning, and self-actualisation and can prove to be a game changer for India.