Why in the news?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has
considered using any Indian language as an optional medium of instruction. This
adheres to the policy initiative of multilingualism as propounded by the
National Education policy 2020.
Previous education policies and
commissions:
1. University Education Commission under
Dr.S.Radhakrishnan (1948-49)
·
Gave more emphasis on higher education
2. Secondary Education Commission (1952
53)
·
Higher education system with diversified courses
·
Three language formula
3. Education Commission Kothari
Commission (1964 66)
·
Suggested uniform pattern of education system 10 + 2 + 3
·
Professional preparation of teachers
4. National Knowledge Commission (2009)
·
Need for a central legislation affirming Right to
education
·
Teaching of English as a language to be introduced.
Major Education policies:
1) National policy on education 1968
based on Kothari Commission recommendations
a) Strengthen science education at
school
b) Early fulfilment of Directive
Principles of State Policy Article 45- free and compulsory education for all
children of age 14 years.
2) National policy on education 1986
a) National system of Education 10 + 2 +
3
b) setting up of Navodaya Vidyalaya and
Operation blackboards
3) Revised program of action 1992
a) Minimum 50% female teachers in future
employments at elementary level
b) Informal education program for
educational deprived and working boys and girls.
The National Education Policy, 2020:
Objective:
1) SDG of 2030 Agenda - ensure inclusive & equitable
quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030
2) Building upon India's traditions and values.
● Pursuit of knowledge, wisdom &
truth - considered in Indian thought & philosophy as the highest human
goal.
● World class Institutions of Ancient
India-Takshashila, Nalanda Vikramshila and Vallabhi.
Features of NEP, 2020:
1. Universal Access at all Levels of
schooling from pre-primary school to Grade 12;
2. Quality early childhood care and
education for all children between 3-6 years;
3. New Curricular and Pedagogical
Structure (5+3+3+4)
4. Establishing National Mission on
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.
5. Emphasis on promoting multilingualism
and Indian languages; The medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, but
preferably till Grade 8 and beyond, will be the home language/mother
tongue/local language/regional language.
6. Setting up of a new National
Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of
Knowledge for Holistic Development).
7. Equitable and inclusive education -
Special emphasis given on Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups
(SEDGs);
8. Robust and transparent processes for
recruitment of teachers and merit-based performance;
9. Setting up of State School Standards
Authority (SSSA);
10. Exposure of vocational education in
school and higher education system.
11. Increasing GER in higher education to
50%.
12. Multidisciplinary Education with
multiple entry/exit options.
13. Setting up of Multidisciplinary
Education and Research Universities (MERUs).
14. Setting up of National Research
Foundation (NRF)
15. ‘Light but Tight’ regulation.
16. Expansion of open and distance
learning to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER).
17. Internationalization of Education
18. Professional Education as an integral
part of the higher education system.
19. Teacher Education - 4-year integrated
stage-specific, subject- specific Bachelor of Education
20. Establishing a National Mission for
Mentoring.
Advantages and disadvantages of NEP, 2020:
