“The gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education institutes is mere 26.3%” according to the AISHE report, 2019-20
It is a well established fact that Indian education system needs reforms. Yet no major step had been taken in a long time to make any substantial change in the system.
Only two national educational policies had been formulated till now and the last one of them was in 1986 which means that there had been no structural change in over three decades.
What are these challenges that Indian educational system faces?
- Focus on rote learning rather than understanding
- Lack of availability of quality higher education
- Higher education is sometimes too rigid in terms of options of disciplines that are available to students and duration of the course.
- Unemployability of graduates
To address the challenges faced by educational system of the country, the Indian government has recently formulated New Education Policy, 2020 based on the recommendations of Dr. Kasturirangan committee.
“The new National Education Policy aims to reorient the education system towards meeting the needs of the 21st century by achieving the twin objectives of inclusion and excellence”, said President Ram Nath Kovind at a press release.
Laying the foundations right
The RTE Act, 2002 had universalized education for children of age group 6-14 years leaving out early childhood education voluntary even though this age group is globally recognized as the crucial stage for development of mental faculties of a child. By including Early Childhood Care and Education in the NEP 2020, the government has acknowledged the importance of early childhood education.
Internationalization of higher education
The government aims to make India an educational hub for foreign nationals to promote research collaboration and student exchanges between Indian institutions and global institutions through organized efforts.
Aligning with this goal, quality of education in higher education institutions is also targeted. Interdisciplinarity at all levels will be provided. The degree courses will be made more flexible by giving multiple exit options at various stages have been made mandatory.
In addition, to make higher educational set up more transparent and free from administrative delays, a single regulator HECI has been envisioned which will replace all other regulators except ones regulating medical and legal education.
Employability of the workforce
“More than 50% of the country’s fresh graduates are unemployable” according to the Indian Skills Report 2019-20
There are many reasons for this unemployability including not getting enough work exposure in early years of education and weak academia-industry interface. To deal with this challenge, the NEP 2020 provides for vocational training and internships beginning from class 6th itself.
Digitalization of education
There are several initiatives that are introduced specifically for training of teachers in school and higher education. One is to train them in digital technology with the help of nationwide agencies and centers in each district. It also mentions higher remuneration for the teachers to attract best talents to the industry.
Opportunities for economic growth
NEP has the potential to contribute to economic growth of the country in many ways. Providing high quality vocational and higher education will make the country’s workforce more skilled.
In addition to that, if the policy is successful in making India an educational hub for foreign students, it would mean huge inflow of forex in terms of fees.
Social inequalities addressed
The NEP aims to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035 (GER was 26.3% in 2018). Institutions will have the option to run open distance learning and online programmes to improve access to higher education, which will improve GER in the country.
The policy also mandates that medium of instruction would be local language/mother language at least till grade 5. This will not just ensure that there is an emphasis on understanding rather than learning but also inequalities that come with there being language barriers.
NEP will facilitate an inclusive, participatory and holistic approach towards education. If implemented in its true spirit, the new structure can bring India at par with the leading countries of the world.
Komal is an English literature student with a keen interest in economic developments and politics amongst others. She is a part of Research & Content team at HrNxt.com