New Education Policy a landmark in the history of education in India — Manipur governor

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Sep. 7 (EMN): Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla stated that the New Education Policy (NEP)-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.

Dr. Heptulla was speaking during a video conference of governors and lieutenant governors on ‘Role of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Transforming Higher Education’ which was held at New Delhi on Monday. The conference was organised by the department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, government of India.

Continuing her speech, Dr. Heptulla said quality education as well as innovation and research will be the pillars on which India will become a knowledge super power adding a New Education Policy is needed at this juncture.

She 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.

Dr. Heptulla also opined that the policy also expands the scope of foundational education, increasing the school going 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 36 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.

Manipur Education Minister Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam, Vice Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) M Harekrishna and Registrar DMU, Dr. Nivedita Lairenlakpam also attended the day’s video conference at the education minister’s office chamber in New Secretariat.

It may be mentioned that the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session and President of India Ram Nath Kovind attended the conference. Minister of Education, Government of India Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ attended the conference too.