The New Education Policy (NEP) of 1968 and 1986 had the goal of promoting fairness in educational opportunities. The 1968 NEP aimed to revamp the education framework, while the 1986 NEP emphasized the need to eradicate educational inequalities. In contrast, the latest National Education Policy of 2020 is centred around fostering equity, quality, affordability, accountability and inclusion through educational means. Introduced in July 2020, the NEP 2020 was formulated under the Chairmanship of Dr. K. Kasturirangan after a very detailed consultative process. This policy will replace the thirty-four-year-old NPE of 1986. The NEP 2020 aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible multidisciplinary and suited to 21st-century needs. It advocates for a balanced regulatory approach for both public and private entities and actively encourages private philanthropic engagement in the education sector.

NEP 2020 aims to revitalize India’s educational landscape. Designed with a nuanced understanding of Indian knowledge traditions, combined with Gandhiji’s visions, and the contemporary aspiration of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India), the policy echoes a symphony of diversified yet harmonized doctrines. At its heart, NEP-2020 carries the promise of a holistic educational paradigm. It wants to supplement theoretical knowledge with practical application.

OBJECTIVE OF NEP 2020

The policy presents a modern, future-oriented objective aimed at revolutionizing India’s higher education system, focusing especially on essential key elements such as :

• Establishing a fair and inclusive educational atmosphere for every student.
• Creating a versatile educational infrastructure that caters to the unique needs, ambitions, and interests of every student, ensuring it is universally accessible.
• Enhancing the calibre of universities and colleges.
• Undertaking organizational transformation and unification.
• Offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education, ensuring a conducive learning atmosphere and ample support for all students.
• Encourages multilingualism as a pedagogical asset.
• Ensuring the faculty is driven and competent.
• Promoting vocational education.
• Fostering superior academic research via the National Research Foundation (NRF).
• Overhauling the regulatory framework and governance of higher education and enhancing the leadership of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India.

Visionary Pathways of NEP 2020 :

Student Focus

• Adaptable syllabus offering various completion pathways.
• Repository for Academic Credits.
• Skill-based education is available to half of the enrolled students.

Innovation and Exploration

• Institutions promoting diverse educational and research activities (MERUs).
• Establishment of a centralized National Research Foundation (NRF).

Accessibility and Diversity

• Aiming for a 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by 2035, with specialized support for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs).
• Global partnerships and creation of International Branch Campuses (IBCs) and offices dedicated to international students.

Educator Development

• Institutes dedicated to Educator Training (TEIs).
• A comprehensive National Strategy for Mentorship (NMM).
• Programs focusing on continual professional growth and leadership skills.

Organizational Autonomy

• Promoting autonomous Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
• Strategical restructuring and integration for promoting multidisciplinary HEIs.

Technological Advancement in Education

• Enhancing the quality of Remote and Open Distance Learning (ODL).
• Launching a platform for Educational Technology – National Education Technology Forum.
• Promoting educational platforms like SWAYAM/DIKSHA.

There have been numerous transformative changes all over the country on NEP. Universities are changing how they teach. They are mixing different subjects to give a comprehensive education. Students can now choose subjects they like, making learning more flexible and personal. Technology is playing a big part in this change. Online learning is now common, with many resources like virtual labs and digital libraries available. This makes education richer and more accessible. Universities are also focusing more on research and new ideas. More money and support are given for this, encouraging a culture of innovation and problem-solving. Universities are also working more with institutions worldwide. This brings in different ideas and improves the quality of education, making it more global.

Efforts are also being made to include everyone in education. The Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) proposed by the NEP is where higher education institutions (HEIs) will digitally deposit credits earned by students for the course they studied. Students can opt for either a three-year honours program, a four-year honours program, or a four-year honours program with research. They can also exit/enter at any level with appropriate certification. The ABC is expected to aid the multiple entries and exit system as well as be multidisciplinary in higher education.

The Government of India wants to promote Indian languages, arts, and culture through education and the NEP 2020 emphasizes the same. The higher educational institution will adopt the regional language or mother language and the local dialect will be the medium of instruction in teachings. The policy supports the inclusion of multiple languages in the educational process, enhancing cognitive development and cultural appreciation, and promoting inclusivity and broader communication skills among students. It will help increase the gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education as students who are not proficient in English will be encouraged to pursue further studies in regional languages. Financial help and special programs are available to make sure everyone has equal opportunities. Teachers are getting continuous training and support to improve their teaching methods. Lastly, universities are being given more freedom and better management. This allows them to improve and innovate more effectively and quickly.

“With NEP 2020, every classroom holds the promise of being a garden where the diverse flowers of capabilities, aspirations, and talents bloom in the nourishing light of quality education.”

New Educational Policy Initiative in Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh Govt. in its meeting held on August 24, 2020, decided to implement the NEP in the state. Several Seminars/Webinars/Workshops/Special lectures were organized in schools and colleges to make everyone aware of the provisions of the New Education Policy, 2020. The Himachal Pradesh University is framing the curriculum as per provisions of NEP,2020 and UGC guidelines for effective implementation of the National Education Policy,2020 from the next academic session. A few special lectures and workshops were organized at Govt. College Kullu, the details of which are the following :