Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 29, 2021, addressed policy makers in the domain of education and skill development, students and teachers, across the country via video conferencing, to mark the completion of one year of reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He also launched multiple initiatives in the education sector.
Congratulating the countrymen and students for New Education Policy completing one year, the Prime Minister lauded the hard work of teachers, professors, policymakers in realising the New education policy on the ground even during the difficult time of Covid-19. Noting the significance of the year ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the PM said that the new Education Policy will play a major role in this important period. He said our future progress and growth is dependent on the level of education and direction given to our youth today. “I believe that is one of the bigger factors in ‘mahayagya’ of national development,”the PM said.
PM MOdi noted the changes brought by the pandemic and how normal online education became for the students. More than 23 hundred crore hits on Diksha portal bear testimony to the utility of portals like Diksha and Swayam. He noted the strides made by the youth from small towns. He referred to the great performance at Tokyo Olympics by the youth from such towns. He lauded the efforts of the youth in the fields of robotics, AI, start-ups and their leadership in industry 4.0. He said if the younger generation gets the environment suitable for their dreams, there is no limit to their growth.
The NEP assures our youth that the country is fully with them and their aspirations, the PM said. Artificial Intelligence programme which was launched today will make the student future oriented and will pave the way for AI-driven economy, he said. Similarly, National Digital Education Architecture, (NDEAR) and National Education Technology Forum (NETF) will go a long way in providing a digital and technological framework to the entire country,he said, according to a PIB release.
The PM highlighted the openness and absence of pressure in the NEP. He said that there is an openness at policy level and openness is also visible in the options available to the students. Options like multiple entry and exit will free students from the restrictions of staying in one class and one course. Similarly, modern technology based Academic Bank of Credit system will bring revolutionary change. This will give confidence to the student in choosing stream and subjects, he said. ‘Structured Assessment for Analyzing Learning Levels’ (SAFAL) will take away the fear of examination, he added.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi emphasised the importance of local languages as medium of instructions. He informed that 14 engineering colleges of 8 states are starting to impart education in 5 Indian languages : Hindi, Tamil, Telugu. Marathi, and Bangla. A tool has been developed for translating engineering course in 11 languages, he said. This emphasis on mother tongue as the medium of instruction will instil confidence in the students from poor, rural and tribal background. Even in the elementary education mother tongue is being promoted and Vidya Pravesh progamme launched today will play a big role in that. He also informed that Indian sign language, for the first time, has been accorded the status of language subject.
Underlining the critical role of teachers, the PM informed that from the formulation stage to implementation, teachers are active part of NEP. NISHTHA 2.0, launched today will provide training to teachers as per their needs and they will be able to give their suggestions to the department.
PM Modi launched the Academic Bank of Credit that will provide multiple entry and exit options for students in Higher education; 1st Year Engineering Programmes in Regional Languages and Guidelines for Internationalisation of Higher Education. Education Technology Forum (NETF).
