A discussion with Rajya Sabha MP, economist and educationist, Dr Narendra Jadhav, Trustee, PIC, on his new book ‘Future of the Indian Education System: National Education Policy 2020’ was chaired by Mr. Pratap Pawar, Trustee, PIC.
Mr. Jadhav presented a historical overview and evolution of the National Education Policy (NEP), from the days of the Kothari Commission in 1948 and the contribution of Mr. JP Naik, who was secretary of the Commission.
He highlighted some of the positive inclusions in the NEP 2020, specifically the integration of the concept of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in the policy. He also emphasised that it was a relief that the NEP 2020, did not dilute the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which was hard-won legislation. Dr Jadhav concluded by noting that the need for Education 4.0 (digitalisation of education and pedagogical methods) had been intensified by the ongoing pandemic, and that this should be something to be integrated into the NEP to make it more robust. Dr Jadhav noted that the policy needed an action plan, a specific roadmap for increased spending and a revised plan for implementation in view of the ‘new normal’ brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
