National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (250 words)
- Intention of NEP 2020: Restructure and reorient education system in India to make it more relevant for 21st century and achieve goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Focus of SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
- SDG 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
- NEP action: Aim to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in preschool to secondary education to 100% by 2030
- SDG 4.2: Ensure that all children have access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education
- NEP action: Aim to achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy in primary schools by 2025, with focus on disadvantaged and marginalized groups
- SDG 4.3: Ensure equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education
- NEP action: Emphasize importance of vocational training and internships in schools
- SDG 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education
- NEP action: Emphasize importance of equity and inclusion, with commitment to providing education to all including disadvantaged and marginalized groups
- SDG 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
- NEP action: Aim to reduce curriculum to its core essentials in order to encourage critical thinking and inquiry-based, discovery-based, and analysis-based learning
- SDG 4.c: Increase supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states
- NEP action: Establish National Education Commission to oversee implementation and review progress
- SDG 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
