SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Dec 7: The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Ranchi and the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas on Wednesday organised a one-day seminar on the topic ‘National Education Policy and Action’ at the Jharkhand University of Technology campus.
The aim of the seminar was to inform institution heads of the various universities in the state about the National Education Policy and for an update on how they plan to implement it in their institutions.
Governor Ramesh Bais was present on the occasion as the Chancellor of all universities in the state. Chief guest on the occasion was Dr Atul Kothari, Secretary, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas along with Dr Suresh Gupta, Treasurer, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas.
Addressing the university heads and students present, Governor Bais said:
“This is for the first time after independence, that such an education policy has been formulated, keeping in mind the nature, culture and development of the country. Its implementation will give a new direction to the country’s education and India will accelerate towards becoming a ‘knowledge superpower’ on the global stage.”
The governor further added that the new education policy focuses more on practical aspects that have been emphasized than the theoretical aspects of education.
“Special attention has been given to the mother tongue. In the new education policy, our students will not lag behind in acquiring knowledge due to linguistic reasons. Due to the linguistic diversity in the country, imparting education in the mother tongue is a commendable step,” he added.
“Here, importance has also been given to knowledge, which is an important effort towards getting students out of rote learning. This education policy emphasizes the excellence of the students. Furthermore, the youth of India will be made aware of India’s various social, cultural and technical needs along with its art, language and knowledge traditions,” said Governor Bais.
The governor further said that the policy focuses on transformational reforms in the school and higher education in the country. Its objectives include achieving a 100 per cent gross enrollment ratio in school education by the year 2030 as well as the universalisation of education from primary to secondary level.
This policy will also empower teachers at all levels of education and help them to teach effectively using technology and help recruit and retain the best professional educators to help prepare the next generation of citizens. All subjects like art, music, craft, sports, yoga and community service have also been included in the curriculum to help in overall development, special attention has also been given to nurture human values.
Dr Atul Kothari, explaining the main goals behind the seminar said:
“Along with developing a personality by nurturing human values and holistic learning, the goal of NEP 2020 is an overall development in students to form the next generation of citizens. The NEP will also work in making India a superpower in terms of knowledge on a global level.”
Mentioning students leaving the country for higher education, Dr Kothari said that the students are forced to leave their country in search of quality education. As a result, they lead several global companies as heads because such an environment has not been created here. He further pointed out that the NEP would be possible in India, wherein, Indian students will lead Indian companies on the global platform.
“In terms of education, students in abroad are in campuses 24*7, professors are available to students all day to help them, solve their problems, whereas in India, Universities close at 4 in the evening and professors are hard to reach. This is the culture that needs to changer for education to develop in India to make us a global power,” Dr Kothari added.
“We realise that big cities have already on certain levels understood the NEP, however, smaller towns and cities are still unaware of the NEP and its importance. The reason behind seminars such as this is for the educators all over to be aware and have an understanding of the NEP,” he added.
Dr Vishnu Priye, Director IIIT, Dr Vijay Pandey, VC, JUT along with vice chancellors, registrars and representatives of several universities were present on the occasion.
