National Education Policy objective is to build a knowledge-based society, says expert

ICSSR National Fellow and Distinguished Professor at Council for Social Development, New Delhi, Jandhyala B.G. Tilak has said that the core objective of the National Education Policy (NEP) is to provide quality education to all sections of society and building a knowledge-based society.

Delivering a special lecture on “Origins of the National Education Policy” as part of an eight-day online refresher programme “Perspectives and Sensitivities of the New National Education Policy” organised by the Malaviya Mission Teachers Training Centre of Karnatak University here on Tuesday, Prof. Tilak said that the goal of the NEP is to provide universal education, increase student enrolment in higher education and prioritising skill-based learning.

Prof. Tilak also emphasised the need for democratising and decentralising the education system.

Elaborating on the evolution of educational policies from 1944 to 2020, Prof. Tilak said that the National Knowledge Commission played a pivotal role in reforming higher education.

“The 1986 policy emphasised industry-based education, while in 2009, the Right to Education Act was implemented, recognising education as a fundamental right for all,” he said.

He said that although the field of education has seen considerable progress and is closely linked to social and economic development, still a large number of students discontinue education at primary, undergraduate and higher education levels.

Prof. Tilak said that there is a lack of emphasis on technical and professional courses, while regional disparities in access to education persist. This apart, school education also faces several challenges that require urgent solutions.

Emphasising that declining quality in education is a matter of serious concern, Prof. Tilak pointed out the need for integration and comprehensiveness in higher education. Faculty and researchers, including B.H. Nagoor, Bharati Ganiger, Shilpa Ramanagol, and others attended the session.