The National Education Policy has redefined education in many ways. With an emphasis on Vocational (Skill) education, CBSE is in the process of devising curricula for vocational subjects. NEP 2020 documented equitable access to the highest-quality education for all learners, regardless of social or economic background.
This will create a skilled workforce, proficient in multidisciplinary learning. It will rationalise content and move towards learning– how to think critically & creatively and also solve problems along with developing 21st-century skills.
Skill education will lead to a reconfiguration and building life skills, and character that enables learners to be ethical, rational, compassionate, and caring. Also, preparing them for gainful, fulfilling employment. Skill development will also lead to a focus on high-quality interdisciplinary research across fields.
Currently, CBSE has started offering around 40 courses (including courses on Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Design Thinking) which work towards imparting an education that is holistic, meaningful, and skill oriented, focussed on developing key 21st-century skills. These initiatives can build a robust pipeline of creative and critical thinkers enabling India in attaining inclusive economic growth and social development.
“The future depends on what we do in the present”. By making informed and intentional policy choices, critically evaluating and learning from the present and the past, and actively investing towards the larger purpose and shared vision of education, the future will be bright and promising.
Views expressed by Vishakha Gupta, Principal, Beacon High School & Junior College, Pune.
