NEP: Overview, History And Key Changes In Latest National Education Policy Of India 2020
National Education Policy Of India 2020:- Education is the foundation of a progressive nation, potential, developing an equitable and just society, and promoting national development. Providing universal access to quality education is the key to India’s continued ascent, and leadership on the global stage in terms of economic growth, social justice and equality, scientific advancement, national integration, and cultural preservation. Universal high-quality education is the best way forward for developing and maximizing our country’s rich talents and resources for the good of the individual, the society, the country, and the world. India will have the highest population of young people in the world over the next decade, and our ability to provide high-quality educational opportunities to them will determine the future of our country. The global education development agenda reflected in the Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by India in 2015 – seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030. Such a lofty goal will require the entire education system to be reconfigured to support and foster learning, so that all of the critical targets and goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can be achieved. India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a revolution toward reshaping the country’s education landscape. Announced on 29th July 2020. NEP 2020 replaces the 34 years old National Policy of Education (1986) and aims to make learning more comprehensive, flexible and aligned with the needs of the 21st century. What Is NEP? NEP (National Education Policy) is a framework that guides the development and reforms in the education system of a country. In India, the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) is a comprehensive reform introduced on 29th July 2020, replacing the previous National Policy on Education (1986). Key Objectives of NEP 2020: Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education – Encourages flexible learning paths and skill development. New School Structure (5+3+3+4) – Focuses on early childhood education and skill-based learning. Higher Education Reforms – Introduces multiple exit options, a credit bank system, and allows foreign universities to set up campuses in India. Technology Integration – Expands digital education through platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM. Teacher Training & Recruitment – Introduces a 4-year B.Ed program and continuous professional development. Why is NEP 2020 Important? Reduces rote learning and promotes conceptual understanding. Focuses on vocational training and skill-based learning from an early age. Encourages research, innovation, and digital education. Aims for 6% of GDP investment in education for better infrastructure and teacher training. Encourages Comprehensive education rather than marks – oriented learning. Brings global best practices while preserving Indian traditions. Promotes all-inclusiveness ensuring education reaches marginalized communities Prepares students for the future with digital literacy and vocational skills. SALIENT FEATURES OF NEP 2020 NEP 2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century and replaces the thirty-four year old National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986. Built on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability, this policy is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, suited to 21st century needs and aimed at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student. The policy has been formulated after a very detailed consultative process, unprecedented in depth and scale. Consultation involved over 2 lakh suggestions from 2.5 lakhs Gram Panchayats, 6600 Blocks, 6000 ULBs, 676 Districts. The MHRD had initiated a collaborative, inclusive, and highly participatory consultation process from January 2015. In May 2016, ‘Committee for Evolution of the New Education Policy’ under the Chairmanship of Late Shri T.S.R. Subramanian, Former Cabinet Secretary, submitted its report. Based on this, the Ministry prepared ‘Some Inputs for the Draft National Education Policy, 2016’. In June 2017 a ‘Committee for the Draft National Education Policy’ was constituted under the Chairmanship of eminent scientist Padma Vibhushan, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, which submitted the Draft National Education Policy, 2019 to the Hon’ble Human Resource Development Minister on 31st May, 2019. The Draft National Education Policy 2019 was uploaded on MHRD’s website and at ‘MyGov Innovate’ portal eliciting views/suggestions/comments of stakeholders, including the public. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: A Transformative Step for India’s Education System Education is the foundation of a progressive nation, and India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a revolutionary step towards reshaping the country’s education landscape. Announced on 29th July 2020, NEP 2020 replaces the 34-year-old National Policy on Education (1986) and aims to make learning more holistic, flexible, and aligned with the needs of the 21st century. History of India’s Education System 1. Ancient Education System (Vedic & Post-Vedic Age) India’s education system dates back to the Vedic Age (1500 BCE – 500 BCE) when learning was imparted in Gurukuls (residential schools) under the guidance of Rishis and Gurus. The system emphasized moral, spiritual, and practical knowledge, including subjects like Vedas, Upanishads, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and warfare. Key Features of Ancient Education: Oral tradition: Knowledge was passed down verbally through Shruti (heard) and Smriti (remembered) texts. Holistic Learning: Focus on spiritual, intellectual, and physical training. Personalized Instruction: Teacher-student relationships were central to learning. Women’s Education: Women like Gargi and Maitreyi were renowned scholars, though later periods restricted female education. Universities: Nalanda (5th century CE) and Takshashila (6th century BCE) were world-famous centers for higher learning. 2. Medieval Education System During the medieval period (8th – 18th century), education was influenced by Islamic and Persian traditions. Madrasas and Maktabs were established for religious and secular studies, focusing on science, medicine, mathematics, and languages. 3. British Colonial Education System (Macaulay’s Reforms, 1835) The British era drastically changed India’s education system. Lord Macaulay’s 1835 Minutes on Education introduced English as the medium of instruction and focused on producing clerks and administrators for the colonial government. Key Changes Under British Rule: Destruction of Indigenous Education: Traditional Gurukul and Madrasa systems declined. Western Curriculum: Introduction of subjects like British