Education Policy’20: Boon or Bane?
India last framed an education policy 34 years ago. Since then there have been many significant changes in the social, political, and economic environment in India. The delay points out the tragic volumes for our pace for reforms.
The NEP 2020, however, looks promising and holds hope as it fundamentally alters the wretched existing education system by bringing in new dynamics and a breath of fresh air. It paves a way for significant development of the education system from the grassroots, as it focuses on the outcome and not input. Diversity provides a sound base for a good education.
Then, why is it drawing criticism and receiving backlash? Let’s take a look at all the prominent reforms with the drawbacks to find out.
Merits-
To begin with, the rigid separation of science, arts and commerce stream have been scrapped paving a way for opting for multi-stream courses after 10th standard. Students can choose subjects with flexibility, they can study chemistry with political science, likewise, a student studying biology can opt for arts as an additional subject.
Secondly, the reforms which call for the introduction of Vocational courses will bring a new dynamic to the education system as it helps in the holistic development of students. Students will now have hands-on experience in various odd jobs that were otherwise looked-down.
Another priority area is to alter the monotonous bachelor’s program. It calls for a flexible bachelor’s program by giving credits to mid-term drop-outs with appropriate certification paving a way for multiple exits and entry points at the UG level, making it multidisciplinary.
Lastly, these reforms give importance to conceptual understanding and critical thinking which tackles the most rampant problem of the current education system- rote learning. This is to be achieved by making board exams easier as students will be primarily tested on core capacities and competencies.
All in all, it’s a vibrant education policy and a revolutionary move.
Drawbacks-
The new education policy seeks to emphasize learning in regional languages or mother tongue in schools (until 5th standard, but preferably till 8th). However, this policy could be counterproductive as it undermines the use of English in several private schools. English is by far one of the most widely spoken and common channels of communication across the globe. Encouraging the usage of English in schools has always distinguished India, giving us an upper hand over other Asian countries.
This policy will also adversely affect Parents whose jobs involve periodic transfers as many states in Southern India have multiple regional languages. So, a transfer would disrupt the child’s education,
In conclusion, NEP 2020 sounds commendable on paper but would be a challenging task on the ground. Hence, I am looking forward to seeing it execute effectively.
