Former chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation K. Kasturirangan was tasked with heading an eight-member panel to draft the National Education Policy (NEP) in 2017. With the changes that have taken place in education over the past decades, the existing policy was inadequate, so the new one seeks to reorient towards the new normal. Kasturirangan and Leena Chandran-Wadia, the member of the drafting committee, spoke to THE WEEK about the way forward. Excerpts:
Q/What is the cornerstone of NEP 2020?
A/The policy is an end-to-end roadmap for the country, flexible yet integrated, with a singular focus on quality education—quality educational institutions, curriculum and pedagogy, and teachers who are empowered with training and support.
Q/Are there any major recommendations by the committee that were not reflected in NEP 2020?
A/The policy in its final form reflects the recommendations of the committee, both in letter and spirit. Some details are different, of course, but as the policy went through major reviews by different groups of stakeholders from the Central and state governments, and eventually by the prime minister himself a few times, the fact that it is still preserved, speaks volumes about our efforts. We are satisfied and happy with the outcome.
Q/While most have welcomed the policy changes, they voice concerns over implementation. Your comments.
This story is from the August 16, 2020 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 16, 2020 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WHAT IS YOUR SLEEP PATTERN?
YOUR SLEEP PATTERN may influence your risk of chronic diseases.
VISION PROBLEMS MAY BE AN EARLY SIGN OF ALZHEIMER'S
ACCORDING TO A US STUDY published in The Lancet Neurology, a rare eye condition known as posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) could be the first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease in 10 per cent of patients.
ANNUAL BREAST CANCER SCREENING BEGINNING AT 40 SAVES LIVES
ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS to screen for breast cancer beginning at age 40 and continuing to at least 79 has the highest reduction in mortality with minimal risks, according to a US study published in the journal Radiology.
SWEETENED DRINKS MAY INCREASE RISK OF AFib
REGULARLY CONSUMING SUGARY or artificially sweetened beverages can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.
MOST EFFECTIVE EXERCISES TO TREAT DEPRESSION
A STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE BMJ says walking, jogging, yoga, strength training and dancing are the most effective exercises to treat depression, especially when intense.
LYING TO YOUR KIDS MAY MAKE THEM LIARS
KIDS WHOSE PARENTS LIE to them are more likely to lie to their parents, even if parents tell only innocent white lies, according to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology.
BAD AIR DAZE
AIR POLLUTION'S EFFECTS GO BEYOND THE LUNGS, IMPACTING FERTILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH, BESIDES YOUR EYES AND SKIN
Women and the big C
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in India. Here, we bust common myths, and outline diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies
Make genome the norm
For India to meet its target of TB eradication by 2025, it will have to make rapid strides in using whole genome sequencing to its full potential
ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD LINKED TO 32 MAJOR HEALTH ISSUES
Regular consumption of ultra-processed food is associated with an increased risk of 32 major health outcomes, including early death, cancer, mental health disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes and respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases.