Parliament Panel on the New Education Policy
Why in news ?
Recently The Parliament Standing Committee on Education tabled a report during the special session of Parliament on the “Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 in Higher Education.”
.webp)
About the Report:
- The 31-member panel discussed on the issues such as;
- the rigid separation of disciplines,
- limited access to higher education in socio-economically disadvantaged areas,
- lack of higher education institutes (HEIs) that teach in local languages,
- the limited number of faculty,
- lack of institutional autonomy,
- lesser emphasis on research,
- ineffective regulatory system and
- Low standards of undergraduate education
About National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
- The National Education Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, outlines the vision of India’s new education system.
- The committee that drafted the NEP 2020 was headed by Shri K Kasturirangan.
- NEP 2020 focuses on five pillars: Affordability, Accessibility, Quality, Equity, and Accountability – to ensure continual learning.
- The new policy replaces the previous National Policy on Education, 1986 and forms a comprehensive framework to transform both elementary and higher education in India by 2040.
- This is the 3rd such education policy since India’s independence.
- The earlier two were launched in 1968 &1986.
MEME System:
- The National Education Policy (NEP) suggests implementing a multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) system in higher education.
- This system in education is a flexible approach that allows students to enter and exit academic programs at various points, rather than following a linear and fixed path.
What are the Way forwards for implementing the New Education Policy 2023?
- Fulfillment of Goals: By 2030, every district in the country should have at least one multidisciplinary HEI and that the GER in higher education, including vocational education, should be increased to 50% by 2035.
- Research and Innovation: There is steady progress in the field of higher education and specific impetus is required in new education policy 2023 to be assigned to factors like anusandhan (research), that can help the country’s ranking in patent filing.
- Effective Funding: Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) needs to diversify its funding sources beyond government allocations and explore partnerships with private sector organizations, philanthropic foundations, and international financial institutions.
Committee made several recommendations, including:
- Funding for SEDGs: The report recommended allocating suitable funds specifically for the education of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) to address educational disparities. Adequate financial resources are essential to provide equitable opportunities.
- Enrollment Targets for SEDGs: Clear targets for increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of SEDGs in higher education institutions were proposed. This initiative aimed to enhance their representation and ensure equal access to higher education.
- Gender Balance: To promote gender equity and inclusivity, the report suggested measures to enhance gender balance in admissions to higher education institutions. This promotes equal educational opportunities for all genders.
Source – PIB
