Governors Conference on 'Role of NEP-2020 in Transforming Higher Education'
Landmark in the history of education: Dr Najma Heptulla
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, September 07 2020: A video conference of Governors and Lieutenant Governors on 'Role of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Transforming Higher Education' was held today at New Delhi.

The conference was organised by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The occasion was divided into different sessions such as inaugural session, interaction with Governors and Lieutenant Governors, Education Minister of States and Union Territories, Special Session on NEP-2020, Technical Session and discussion.

In the interaction with Governors and Lieutenant Governors, Governor of Manipur, Dr Najma Heptulla stated that the New Education Policy-2020 will certainly be a landmark in the history of education in India, for the policy is comprehensive, holistic, far sighted and will certainly play a pivotal role in the Nation's future growth.

This Policy was passed after more than three decades - the first one was framed in 1986 and modified in 1992 .

"During this period of more than three decades, significant changes were noticed in our country pertaining to socio-economy and the globe at large.

Therefore, it appears quite legitimate that the education sector also needs to strengthen itself towards the demands of the 21st century and the needs of the people and the country.

"Quality education as well as innovation and research will be the pillars on which India will become a knowledge superpower.

It is, in this context, a New Education Policy is needed at this juncture," she said.

Dr Najma Heptulla added that the Government of India, accordingly, mooted the process of formulating a New Education Policy, to begin with, through the consultation process in which expert opinions, field experiences, stakeholder feedback as well as lessons learned from best practices were taken into consideration.

She strongly viewed that the New Education Policy 2020 will certainly be a landmark in the history of education in India, for the policy is comprehensive, holistic, far sighted and will certainly play a pivotal role in the Nation's future growth.

"The policy is welcomed by one and all of our Nation which seeks to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society.

It is a pride in India as well as acceptance of the best ideas and practices in the world of learning from across the globe.

It is a matter of great satisfaction to note that one of its loftier goals is to bring crores of out of school children into the school system and reduce innumerable dropouts.

More importantly, to reduce the burdensome syllabus, focus on vocational education and environmental education are crucial aspects well covered by NEP.

Students will be much more empowered and have the opportunity to choose the subjects they wish to study," she added.

Acknowledging NEP-2020 for barring Medical and Law Colleges, Dr Najma Heptulla said that the NEP also makes an attempt to improve governance by bringing in a single regulator to look after all educational institutions.

This is a significant step.

In addition, the NEP also aims at a holistic education by envisioning the convergence of Science and Arts streams.

The focus on ethics and human and Constitutional values will go a long way in the creation of an enlightened citizenship essential for deepening our democratic roots.

The Governor opined that the policy also expands the scope of foundational education, increasing the schoolgoing years from 3 to 18 instead of the prevalent 6 to 14 .

This will enable a more holistic development of children in the formative age group of 3-6 years.

Setting up a National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy is a much needed, timely step to improve the quality of education at the primary education level.

NEP recognises the importance of nutrition to the all round development of children and has therefore included a provision for an energy filled breakfast, in addition to the nutritious midday meal, to help children achieve better learning outcomes.

It may be mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session and President Ram Nath Kovind graced the conference.

Minister of Education, Government of India Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' attended the conference too.

On the other hand, Education Minister Dr Thokchom Radheshyam, Vice Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) M Harekrishna and Registrar DMU, Dr Nivedita Lairenlakpam attended the video conference from the Education Minister's office chamber, New Secretariat.

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