Mr Ramesh Pokhriyal, the Minister of Education, shed light on the task forces established for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He did so in the Rajya Sabha, in response to questions asked by Mr Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. According to the minister, various committees have been assigned under the new education policy for its successful implementation.
Department of School Education and Literacy has established subject-wise and theme-wise implementation committees. These teams comprise subject experts and are meant to ensure that NEP 2020 is implemented. Similarly, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Committee for Technical Education (AICTE) have also created expert groups. These groups are pertaining to various aspects of the education sector and have the objective of formulating the NEP 2020 implementation plan.
The minister went onto clarify the pre-requisites of the successful implementation of the education policy. According to him, the policy implementation requires the combined and consistent efforts by all concerned group responsible. Besides efforts, the objectives must be achieved within the stipulated timeframe along with other aims. These aims include the creation of task forces or teams, at the State or UT level, appointing ministries to monitor the progress, etc.
Mr Pokhriyal also expressed the ways in which the education ministry has attempted to achieve the objectives. A multitude of workshops has been conducted within the states and UTs for acknowledging and addressing their concerns. These workshops acted as platforms for exchanging innovative ideas pertaining to NEP 2020 and its implementation. Furthermore, the education ministry has maintained communication with states and UTs through letter and spirit.
Aiming to maintain consistent communication, the concerned ministry had conducted a program called ‘Shikshak Parv’ from September 8 to 25, 2020. The program was conducted to deliberate and discuss various ideas and aspects about the policy implementation. Moreover, the program was also meant to encourage and entertain useful suggestions.
The education ministry also went on to organise a Conference of Governors. The conference was conducted on the subject of the role of NEP 2020 in transforming higher education. The conference was attended by the Governors, Lt. Governors of various states and UTs, the education ministers of states and UTs, Vice Chancellors of respective universities, and other important dignitaries.
All the officials participated in the conference and highlighted how the state and UT governments have begun taking multiple initiatives for implementing the education policy. The education minister also went on to declare that majority of states have already taken the necessary steps to implement the new education policy successfully.
