By Gunjan Panwar

The National Democratic Alliance’s ambitious agenda for education, guided by the principles of the National Education Policy 2020, has the potential to significantly improve India’s education sector.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has once again secured a decisive victory in the Lok Sabha elections of 2024. A key component of their governance agenda is the revolutionary vision they hold for India’s education sector. With a focus on implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the government promises to transform the education system by assuring universal access to quality education, using technology, and promoting skill development. This article delves into the expectations from the new government regarding education, analyzing their key initiatives and the potential impact on India’s educational landscape.

Vision for Education

The BJP envisions a transformative education ecosystem driven by the momentum of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This vision includes modernizing the education system to provide universal access to quality education that prepares students for the future. Key aspects of this vision include:

• Promoting Mother Tongue Education

One of the significant initiatives under the NEP is the promotion of teaching and learning in students’ native languages. This approach aims to make education more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that students understand concepts better when taught in their mother tongue. The emphasis on mother tongue education is expected to enhance cognitive development and improve learning outcomes, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.

• Comprehensive Quality Focus

Enhancing the overall quality of education is a key priority. This includes improving teacher training programs to ensure educators are well-equipped with the latest pedagogical skills and knowledge. Additionally, there will be a focus on upgrading educational infrastructure, integrating technology into the classroom, and providing regular updates to the curriculum to keep pace with global standards. The introduction of internships and practical learning opportunities will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.

• Establishing New Institutions of Higher Learning

Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in expanding the higher education landscape in India. Several prestigious institutions were established, including:

• 7 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• 16 Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
• 7 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
• 15 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
• 315 Medical Colleges
• 390 Universities

The government commits to further strengthening and increasing the number of higher education institutions. This will be achieved through focused funding, capacity building, infrastructure upgrades, and dedicated research grants. By expanding access to higher education, the government aims to nurture a generation of skilled professionals who can contribute to India’s growth and development.

• Using Technology for Access to Quality Education

The government plans to promote the use of an education stack for personalized and flexible learning management systems through initiatives such as PM e-Vidya, SWAYAM, and SWAYAM PRABHA. These platforms will provide students with access to high-quality educational resources, irrespective of their geographical location.

• Digital University Initiative

One of the flagship projects is the operationalization of a digital university that will offer industry-focused free courses to upskill individuals from low-income families. This initiative aims to democratize education by providing learners with the opportunity to acquire new skills and improve their employability, without the financial burden of traditional education pathways.

• Ensuring Quality School Education

To ensure every student receives a high-quality education, the government will focus on strengthening networks of PM SHRI Schools, Ekalavya Schools, and other institutions as per NEP standards. The goal is to achieve a 100% Gross enrollment ratio from pre-school to secondary education, ensuring that every child has access to schooling. By adhering to NEP standards, the government aims to elevate Indian schools to world-class status. This involves enhancing the quality of teaching, improving infrastructure, and providing a well-rounded curriculum that includes not only academic subjects but also extracurricular activities and vocational training.

• Ensuring Future-Ready Youth

The future of India lies in the hands of its youth. By adopting a dynamic learning curriculum at the school level, as mandated by the NEP, and incorporating industry-aligned curriculum and skill development in emerging technologies in higher education, the government aims to prepare youth for the future.

• Industry-Aligned Curriculum

The integration of an industry-aligned curriculum will ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the modern workforce. This includes training in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, which are critical for driving innovation and economic growth.

• Implementing One Nation, One Student ID

The government will achieve 100% implementation of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ initiative through the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR). This system will store academic qualifications, credit scores, and certificates for students from pre-primary to higher education. The One Student ID initiative aims to streamline the academic journey of students, making it easier to track their progress and credentials across different educational institutions.

• Expanding Skills Training for Youth

Over the past decade, a robust skill development ecosystem has been developed. The government plans to further enhance this system in line with NEP objectives, integrating it with the education system and expanding skilling opportunities in collaboration with the industry. By fostering employment and self-employment, the government aims to create a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable to the changing demands of the job market.

Conclusion

The National Democratic Alliance’s ambitious agenda for education, guided by the principles of the National Education Policy 2020, has the potential to significantly improve India’s education sector. By promoting mother tongue education, enhancing the quality of teaching, utilising technology, and increasing access to higher education, the government aims to create an inclusive and future-ready education system. The initiatives outlined in their manifesto reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs of students across the country. As the new government begins its term, the expectations are high for these initiatives to translate into tangible improvements in the education landscape, ultimately contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the nation.

Gunjan Panwar is associated as an Editorial Team Member of the Policy Advocacy and Research Team at SarkariSchool.in and has recently completed her Master’s in Public Policy & Governance from Amity University. Please write your comment at [email protected].

REFERENCES

• BJP Manifesto 2024

https://www.bjp.org/bjp-manifesto-2024

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf