The Indian New Education Policy (NEP)

After almost three decades, the Government of India has come up with the New Education Policy(NEP). The NEP comes with many changes and regulations. Being a former Edtech startup founder, I felt I had to share my views on this and am glad to say that I strongly believe this is definitely a better way forward.

Few key points of the policy and my views(MV) for the same are as follows:

1. From now, education is set to get 6% of GDP, currently, it’s 1.7 %.

MV:- It's a 3.5x increase in the spending which sounds impressive. But what actually matters is the improvement in the effectiveness of spending I.M.O! Higher spending also has a significant risk of an increase in corruption, which is a whole different ball game and has its own toll, so efficiency and effectiveness matter here!

2. New System of Education is proposed and approved, in which the 10+2 system will be changed to 5 (Foundation Stage - Till Grade 2)+3 (Preparatory Stage- from Grade 3 -5)+3 (Middle Stage- from Grade 6-8)+4 (Secondary Stage- from 9-12) format. MV:- This definitely is a much-required ice-breaker, The typical 10yr school + 2year intermediate system which usually changes from state-to-state shall be replaced with a sophisticated and homogeneous system. Let's hope my understanding is right about this and our folks don't find a way to ruin this too.

3. Students to be allowed to take up coding from class 6.

MV:- Definitely an impressive move. Coding is a skill of the future, but not the only one. Other STEM-based skills need to be worked and made available.

4. Three language formulae to be followed and Sanskrit will be mainstreamed.

MV:- Not my area of expertise, hence-neutral.

5. Board exam pattern to be changed in such a way that rote learning is no more encouraged.

MV:- Having experienced the education system in two countries, I am confident this is much required! But how they plan on achieving this is still unchartered. I am saying this as they are trying to change the system but cannot change all the elements involved, teachers and existing staff to start with. I'm sure stakeholders involved in the ultimate and pen-ultimate levels adapting to this is definitely going to be a challenge.

6. Target Gross Enrollment Ratio is 50% and to be achieved by the year 2035.

MV:- Ambitious and definitely achievable, if done right!

7. Arts, literature, and music are to be taught, irrespective of streams.

MV:- I personally feel it is bit fan-forced, and believe it is a bit too early to comment.

8. A bachelor’s degree would include multiple entry and exit options and appropriate certification will be provided for the same.

MV:- Much needed and definitely achievable!

9. A digital platform will be set up to avail various online courses in 8 major languages.

MV:- NPTEL and similar platforms already exist, no doubt we can pull it through. But, a special focus on its outreach is parallelly required I.M.O. Spending on something which doesn't reach people is going to be a waste of tax-payer money.

10. HEI Curriculum shall include credit-based courses in the areas of Environment Education, Value-Based Education, etc. MV:- Environmental Education already is an integrated part of various courses at multiple levels, so feels achievable. I don't have a well-informed view of the value-based education and others, so I'm going to pass on that.

To summarise, the NEP seems to be amazing. I am optimistic about the much-awaited changes and believe it's definitely going to be tough but worthwhile. The change in policy is just a mere beginning what's important is how this continues further. But, how difficult would it be to implement and get adapted? Please share your thoughts too.

Thanks for the read, please don't forget to drop a few lines :)

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