Ministry of Education organised a National Webinar on Creating Awareness about National Education Policy, 2020 through NSS, NCC, NYKS and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) Volunteers under Shikshak Parv Initiative today . Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh was the chief guest at the webinar. Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ ; Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports (Independent Charge) Shri Kiren Rijiju; Minister of State for Education, Shri Sanjay Dhotre were present on the occasion. Secretary, Defence Ministry; Shri Ajay Kumar; Secretary, Higher Education Shri Amit Khare; Secretary, School Education & Literacy, Smt Anita Karwal; Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt Usha Sharma, Chairman, University Grants Commission, Prof. D.P Singh, Vice Chancellor of various Universities also participated in the event. Volunteers of National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathanand Unnat Bharat Abhiyan from all over the country also joined through virtual medium.
Addressing the participants Raksha Mantri said that New Education Policy is the first policy in Indian history, in which a multi-pronged and multi-stakeholder consultative process was undertaken which included online, grassroots and national level deliberations. At the grassroots level, consultations spanned across Gram Panchayats, Blocks, Urban Local Bodies, Districts and States/Union Territories. He added that NEP is prepared keeping in mind more than 2 lakh suggestions given by teachers, academicians, parents and other stakeholders relating to education. This policy suggests many revolutionary changes in school and higher education leading to the holistic development of students. The National Education Policy will fulfill the vision of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to create a ‘self-reliant India’, he said.
Raksha Mantri informed that this policy also has a provision to encourage state governments to start NCC wing in their middle and high schools. He further informed that in higher education, the Multiple Entry and Exit scheme will benefit those youth, who have to leave the education midway. This step will prove to be of great benefit to the soldiers of our armed forces who are interested in studying, besides serving the country. He further informed that to increase the resource pool, local eminent persons or experts in the school will be encouraged to be kept as ‘special trainers’.In this, retired teachers and officers of the army will be able to contribute to the nation building by providing services in nearby schools.
Raksha Mantri quoted a famous saying that if you want to improve generations, then you should invest in education. He further said India is one of the youngest countries in the world and youth are our strength in achieving bigger milestones in nation development. He hoped that this event will prove to be an important link in bringing awareness among the youths of the country to contemporary issues.He said that with the support of youths, the entire education system will be more efficient.
The National Education Policy 2020 is the culmination of positive thinking and sustained efforts for making India a ‘knowledge power’, Shri Pokhriyal said. NEP is not merely a policy document, but a reflection of the aspirations of thepeople of India. This policy is comprehensive and far-sighted and will play a great role in facilitating the progress of the nation in future, he added.
