Although the policy runs into nearly 400 plus pages but noteworthy and salient features are already being updated and discussed in all Educational Groups and various media channels. In my opinion, it is a very forward-thinking document, keeping in mind the need of imbibing new skills that the student will require in the future. What is important is the acceptance of the changes and implement in it’s true sense.
A great initiative to bring Pre Schools under its fold, with NCERT creating a complete structured programme for Pre School teaching and learning, this hopefully will give uniformity to the Pre-primary curriculum. Secondly, the big divide between the Science and Art stream is going to be nullified, this will give students a chance to explore options and change their subject combination based on their choice. Providing 10 days of Internship/Vocational training from Grade VI onwards will help the students and make it easier for them to identify their leaning towards their future profession. Another plus factor that I see is Board Exams will have a low stake, while various assessment modules will be implemented which will give a complete picture of the child’s overall development not only in academics but also in values, attributes, attitudes, skills and physical. This way we will be burying thankfully, the Rote Learning Syndrome. With Inclusive Education given a chapter mention hopefully schools would start taking this seriously. Teachers’ professional development has also been given paramount importance.
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Also, a notable fact is that there will be a National Regulatory Body that will be controlling the Public and Private Schools. Accreditation of schools will be important which is really good because established schools need to relook into their policies and for new schools, it will be a great guideline to establish themselves. Colleges will become autonomous bodies and can come up with their own curriculum, learning and teaching pedagogies. Entry and Exit points for the four years undergraduate programme will again give scope and freedom for students to move out and in based on wider options of subjects to be covered. The common entrance competitive examination will ensure that students are not hard-pressed to submit various entrances forms and generally go through anxiety pangs giving numerous entrance examinations.
I am only a little skeptical about the conduction of examination at the 3 rd, 5th and 8th level through Parakh The National Assessment Center. Would also like to point out that nowhere there is a mention of easy flow of admission in undergraduate and postgraduate levels from one State to another and from one University to another.
A better understanding of the detailed Policy will seep into us slowly as we keep revisiting it. Hopefully, it will be activated and showcase changes in the present Indian Education System.
