Why the New Education Policy is a pathway to Sustainable India?

The pandemic has restricted students to their houses, but their patriotic spirit and national identity cannot be dampened. In virtual education and online learning, schools have reshaped their Republic Day traditions so that students and teachers can keep the fervor of this important day alive. This Republic Day, let’s see how the 'National Education Policy 2020' will lay the foundation for a new India that aspires to grow as an international center of information in the most holistic and sustainable of ways.

The NEP has added a lot to the education front in terms of required reforms. The Committee in Kasturirangan has been calling for action in learning since the start of the draft educational policy in 2019, in particular during the recent paradigm change which has now taken place because of COVID-19.

National Education Policy and UN Sustainable Development Goal.

NEP 2020 is in sequence, in the view of fair access to education, the cornerstone of sustainable development, with Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030). The government has ensured the sustainability of the national campaign of self-reliance by ensuring fair education for everyone by alienating SDG goals into NEP. By strengthening their expertise and awareness, NEP 2020 will empower all the nation's citizens.

The SDGs 2030 targets to provide primary and secondary education for everyone (including boys and girls), and also fair access to quality technical education to the member states of the UN. NEP 2020 is built upon five pillars: access, affordability, equity, quality, and accountability, as set out above in the SDG principles.

Accessibility of Education

The greatest win under the NEP is that the age of 3-6 years is a particular consideration. The Right to Education Act, 2008, has a significant downside. This initiative would offer a much-needed boost for the supervisors of Anganwadi education. 

In addition, a new Gender Equality Fund for education and advancement of disabled education is also active. This makes education accessible for marginalized groups. They also created many exit points for higher education, resulting in improved capacity for students, where one can learn different subjects and gives students access to a diverse range of options.

Affordability of Education

The NEP suggests the audit and transparency requirements for all educational organizations should be identical to those of the "non-profit organization.". In all financial matters, there should be accountability and public complaints management procedures. 

There is a development of an academic credit bank that can be carried forward to the last degree to store academic loans online. It notes that all regulations relating to higher education tuition and charges by private institutions must be open and reported and the fees can not be unilaterally raised by institutions.

Equity for all

The UNSDG 2030 emphasizes that both men and women, young and adults, disadvantaged individuals, indigenous peoples, and persons who are living in disadvantaged circumstances will be given universal access to education. In addition, NEP's overall goal is to guarantee equal access throughout the world to quality early childhood care and education. Districts and areas that are particularly socio-economically marginalized will get special consideration and preference.

Quality Educational Training

Instead of a 10+2 system, they base NEP 2020 on the system 5+3+3+4 years. At the fundamental level, the strategy aims at encouraging children's play and activity-based learning. The preparatory stage focuses on improving the ability to talk and computer. It also allows for the schooling of three languages, including two or more native or ethnic, or local languages. The mid-phase offers more experience and essential learning than memorization.

Accountability of government 

The NEP plans to decommission and provide educational institutions with more autonomy. It helps to motivate academics to rule by expanded involvement in the decision-making process. It seeks to assign power to institutions, primarily scholars and educators, by boards of governors. Greater freedom would ensure less government intervention in education and thus de-politicize the education system. The formation of the Governing Board, therefore, means that the heads of organizations are equally chosen, ensuring that political influence is avoided.

Conclusion 

On this 71st Republic Day, it is very important to understand that an educated population is a route to a greater legacy. The NEP 2020 aims to uncover the brilliant mind hidden from the world. The young minds will discover sustainable solutions to the problems we have today and build a better world for all of us.