National Education Policy 2020 isin conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS Mains 2020 General Studies Paper – 2)
Recently, the Government announced the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which will replace the National Policy on Education, 1986. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 aims to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030”.
Is NEP in tune with SDG 4?
- Promote free primary and secondary education and universal literacy and numeracy (SDG 4.1 and 4.6): NEP aims at universalization of education from preschool to secondary level with 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030. The Policy also makes education more inclusive by proposing the extension of the Right to Education (RTE) to all children up to the age of 18.
- Eliminate all discrimination in education (SDG 4.5): NEP focuses on bringing 2 crores out of school children back into the mainstream through an open schooling system.
- Equal access to quality pre-primary education (SDG 4.2): The Policy also recognizes the importance of the crucial early stage for the development of mental faculties of a child by bringing uncovered age group of 3-6 years under school curriculum with three years of Anganwadi/pre-schooling.
- Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university (SDG 4.3): NEP emphasises on Vocational Education from Class 6 with Internships.
- The Policy overhauls the undergraduate education with a flexible curriculum of 3 or 4 years with multiple exit options and appropriate certification.
- The National Research Foundation will be created for fostering a strong research culture and building research capacity across higher education.
- The National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), will be created to promote free exchange of ideas and technology.
- Substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers in developing countries (SDG 4.C): A common National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) will be developed by 2022, in consultation with NCERT, SCERTs, teachers and expert organizations from across levels and regions.
NEP 2020 has the potential to make an overwhelming impact on the socio-economic fabric of society, as expected in SDG-4. However, its effective implementation coupled with sufficient financing may become the defining factor of its success.
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