Prime Movers of National Education Policy 2020
National Education Policy 2020 is a successful game-changer of the educational ecosystem in the era of the 21st century and a torchbearer of Yuva Bharat (;qok Hkkjr). NEP 2020 acts as a learning tool by reinforcing the concept of learning by doing (djds lh[kks) and learning by experience (vuqHko ls lh[ksa). The NEP 2020 has brought about holistic development among Yuva Shakti, thereby creating many opportunities.
The vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, on “Mann Ki Baat” episode 107 reverberates the theme of Intelligence, Idea, and Innovation. The initiative of “Lab to Market” by the Science and Technology clusters in India, under the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, has further strengthened the Government-Academia-MSME interface, thereby transforming India from a service to a production nation [“Vocal for Local”].
The advent of the Government of India initiative of CSIR — Jigyasa Virtual Labs has kindled school students' interest in experiential learning by performing experiments through virtual mode. This is a tangible outcome of “Digital India”. The programme “One Day as a Scientist” at CSIR has opened new avenues for youngsters to explore the scientific temperament within them through physical visits to 37 CSIR laboratories and interactions with scientists.
The tinkering initiative of CSIR-AIM (Atal Innovation Mission), Niti Aayog's Atal Tinkering Lab, acts as a think tank for various frugal jugaad innovations, thereby paving the way for youth to be “Think Tank Preneurs”. NEP 2020 has astonishing driving elements through various initiatives in digital learning platforms such as SWAYAM (NPTEL), DIKSHA, Swayam Prabha, and e-PATHSHALA, enabling students to become competent in knowledge, skills, and future-ready complete professionals.
The initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, to adopt nearby villages by academic institutions has provided enormous opportunities for higher education students to reinvent digital transformation technologies of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and other disruptive technologies, to facilitate rural development in India. Additionally, RuTAG (Rural Technology Action Group) and IEEE Smart Village have further enhanced NEP 2020 by enabling students to adapt community-based learning.
The technology-based Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), or Clean India Mission, has facilitated NEP 2020 by transforming India into a “Smart India” through the successful implementation of best practices and various innovative technologies such as integrated command control systems, Digital Health, SCADA, Data Centres, Intelligent Transport Systems, and Artificial Intelligence-based waste management.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) stated in NEP 2020 stands out as one of the strong pillars for promoting vocational education in schools and higher educational institutions, which has become an integral part of the academic system.
The successful implementation of various short-term and certificate courses on soft skills, called 'Lok Vidya', and Online Distance Learning (ODL), forms a primary vision of NEP 2020 to make youth more employable and industry-ready.
NEP 2020 has additional success stories, especially the recently introduced Prime Minister Internship, National Apprenticeship 2.0, and Apprenticeship Enabled Degree programme, which have played a vital role in establishing strong industry connections and facilitating hands-on experience for the youth.
NEP 2020 has also empowered women and acts as a catalyst for women's empowerment by addressing and promoting gender equality, thereby creating a more inclusive and equitable education system through the successful implementation of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao policy.
NEP 2020 is playing a crucial role in transforming undergraduate programmes through a research-based curriculum, thereby inculcating research aptitude among students.
The National Research Foundation (NRF), also called the “Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)”, has been introduced in educational institutions with strong objectives to foster core scientific and technological research, innovation, and entrepreneurship among young research communities.
Overall, NEP 2020 has developed various qualities among youth, such as holistic decision-making, social responsibility, universal human values, creativity, and self-reliance, thereby paving the way to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG#4, 5, 9 & 10) and marching towards Viksit Bharat@20247.
The writer is the Head of the Institute Industry Interface Program and Assistant Professor in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering Department
