NEP-2020 will develop students as global citizens: PM Modi in his Independence Day address

In his address to the nation on the 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narender Modi also talked about the National Education Policy-2020 saying that 'education of the country is of great importance in building a self-reliant, modern, New India, an India which will be prosperous and happy' and 'with this thought, we have become successful today in providing the country with a new National Education Policy after three decades.'

"Every nook and corner of India is welcoming it (NEP-2020) with renewed enthusiasm and a new vigour...And, this is the National Education Policy, which will connect our students with the roots. Alongside, it will help them become global citizens. The students will be well-rooted and still touching new heights," he added.

Lauding the creation National Research Foundation, he said,"You must have noticed that a special stress has been laid in National Education Policy on National Research Foundation because in order to progress, the nation needs to innovate. Higher the stress that will be laid on innovation and research, greater would be the strength to take India forward in this competitive world" as per the release of his address in English.

Stressing the need of on-line learning which has reached even in rural areas due to pandemic situation in 'the era of technology,' he stated the dependence on cyberspace had increased multifold which had its own risks and threats, he said, "India is very cautious and is planning to take steps to combat these risks. Not only this, new systems are continuously being developed. In a short span of time, a draft of new cyber security policy would be presented to the nation. In the coming times, we will have to integrate everything and then work within the framework of this cyber security. We will formulate strategies to move forth."

Modi deemed NEP-2020 an emergent reform along with some concurrent economic reforms as he stated in his address, "Today we are witnessing that National Education Policy, One Nation-One Ration Card, One Nation-One Grid, One Nation-One Tax, Insolvency and Bank Bankruptcy Code and the effort for merger of banks- all these things have become the reality of nation, fact for our nation" and added that 'the world was looking at the outcomes of the reforms that were taking place in India in these times.'

There was a mention of 110 aspiring districts which are lagging behind compared to an average district, in many developmental aspects including education. Of them, he stated, "We have to bring each and every parameter of those districts at par with the country’s average. We are making every effort so that people of these 110 districts, which are lagging behind, have access to better education, better health facilities and have opportunities for local employment."

BETWEEN & BEYOND LINES

HOWEVER, MANY SEE THAT THE NEP-2020 IS A STEP TOWARDS UNIFORMITY AND SIMILARITY WITH PRIVATIZATION AND CORPORATIZATION OF EDUCATION THROUGH GOVERNMENTAL REGULATORY POWERS AND CONTROLS.