The Committee for the evolution of a National Education Policy has submitted the report in May, to the Ministry of HRD, recommending measures that will be taken to make a solid progress in the country’s education sector.
After a consultation process for framing a New Education Policy (NEP), via online and offline methods, the government had reviled deliberations on 33 themes. End to ‘No-Detention’ policy after class V, single entrance examination for all 12th pass outs, extension of mid-day meals to secondary schools and choice of school education in mother tongue till Class V are some of the major highlights of this year’s Education Policy.
Here are 10 major recommendations in detail.
1- No-detention policy will be discontinued after class V. Students will be given at least two extra chances and remedial coaching to qualify for a higher class.
2- Class X Board Examination will be divided in two levels, part A at higher level and part B at lower level. Students who wish to discontinue their studies after class X, will have to appear for Part B only, and those who want to take up higher education including Mathematics, will have to go for Part A.
3- School education in mother tongue till Class V, choice of second language at primary level and third language at secondary level as decided by states.
4- Single entrance examination for all class XII pass-outs. A National Level Entrance Test for all Indian students, of any School Board, will be conducted for admission to various course. Also, one unified national examination for admission to professional course to any institution across the country.
5- Extension to Mid-day meals at secondary schools.
6- National Fellowship Fund to support students from economically weaker section. Students will be selected through a separate examination for a national talent scholarship scheme after class 12. Fellowship Fund will support tuition fees, learning material and living expenses for about 10 lakh students every year.
7- Set up a high quality think tank. It will act as a Standing Education Commission to study emerging challenges, evaluate policies and programmes, and provide guidance to the Ministry.
8- A Council for Excellence in Higher Education to create policies to promote the establishment of Centers for Excellence, both in the public and private sectors.
9- States should convert existing two-year B.Ed. Program to four-year integrated course, with offer of employment to such graduates.
10- Each institution will be evaluated at least once in 5 years on a scale of I to VII, with VII representing the highest score. Top two institutions will be given operational autonomy, whereas institutions at the bottom of the scale would be asked for immediate closure.
