ANPSA wants inclusive education policy

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 1: While appreciating the Draft National Education Policy (NEP) 2016 undertaken by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, for trying to identify key challenges that is facing India at this critical juncture, All Nagaland Private Schools’ Association (ANPSA) Central opined that policy should be framed taking all sides of the education equation into consideration. Sharing this concern during its 33rd annual general body meeting at De Oriental Grande, Kohima, the Association said the policy becomes a success when it can embrace an inclusive outlook and refrain from an approach, which would prove detrimental to sections of the society taking into account the multilingual and multicultural society of the country. In a letter to the MHRD minister, the Association pointed out that some of the draft policy like early education in mother tongue, Sanskrit in Nagaland, fixed tenure of principal and faculty, a college in every district of the state, linking tribal schools to KV, JNV etc and tribal education, monitoring of schools are not conducive and feasible for a state like Nagaland. The Association observed that different organisations and individual educators have been major players in the field of education in the State catering to the people even in the remotest parts where even the government has failed to reach out.While appreciating the government for the opportunity it has provided for its citizens to present their views on education by availing consultation opportunities, the Association felt that the new draft policy has not taken into consideration India’s North East, especially Nagaland and the contribution of the private sector on education. Sharing its concerns, the Association stated that it is imperative to frame the policy taking all sides of the education equation into consideration adding ‘on one side are the policy makers and on the other side are those who would be implementing these policies and the most important side are those who would be directly affected because of the policy.’ Noting poor condition of the roads, electricity, water and the way things are being governed in the State, ANPSA president Bithungo Kikon queried whether ‘we as educators really achieved what we want our society to be? Or are we just producing stereotype, exam result oriented children with no moral or ethical values?’ Also sharing his concern on the unemployment problem in the State, Kikon said ANPSA should take pride in the fact that it is not only providing education to the children but that each school has become employment centers, giving employment to thousands and providing livelihood. He also remarked that it is high time the State government take cognizance of this fact and acknowledge it in words and in deeds. At the same time, he also reminded the members not to remain too comfortable in their success but willing to adapt to the constant change, ‘lest one becomes redundant, outdated and lose the race.’ Special guest of the programme, Rakshit Tandon from Delhi speaking on ‘Cyber Security,’ said children facing online problem is ever increasing in India attributing it to lack of proper education and awareness. Emphasising on the need to secure cyber crime, Tandon noted that online games have change the psychology of children today. He also spoke on how to protect cyber crime, empowerment and sensitisation programmes on the issue. The day long programme also highlighted central grants for minority institutions, NEP, minimum wages, custody of Class-IX question papers, quick refresher online quiz etc.