Context:

Union Cabinet approved the National Education Policy 2020, paving way for transformational reforms in the school and higher education sector in the country.

Objectives of NEP 2020:

• Equitable and Inclusive Education:
  • Special emphasis will be given on Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) which include gender, socio-cultural, and geographical identities, and disabilities.
  • This includes setting up of Gender Inclusion Fund and also Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups. Children with disabilities will be enabled to fully participate in the regular schooling process
  • Every state/district will be encouraged to establish Bal Bhavan as a special daytime boarding school, to participate in art-related, career-related, and play-related activities. Free school infrastructure can be used as Samajik Chetna Kendras.

Robust Teacher Recruitment and Career Path:

• Promotions will be merit-based, with a mechanism for multi-source periodic performance appraisals
• A common National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) will be developed by the National Council for Teacher Education by 2022.

Standard-setting and Accreditation for School Education:

• separate systems for policymaking, regulation, operations, and academic matters. States/UTs will set up an independent. State School Standards Authority (SSSA).
• for public oversight and accountability, the SCERT will develop a School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (SQAAF) through consultations with all stakeholders.

Increase GER to 50 % by 2035:

NEP 2020 aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education including vocational education from 26.3% (2018) to 50% by 2035.

Holistic Multidisciplinary Education:

• The policy envisages broad-based, multi-disciplinary, holistic Under Graduate education with flexible curricula, creative combinations of subjects, integration of vocational education, and multiple entries and exit points with appropriate certification.
• UG education can be of 3 or 4 years with multiple exit options and appropriate certification within this period.