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Recently, the Minister of State for Education provided valuable insights into the initiatives taken up under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for the transformation of Education Sector in India during a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

What is NEP 2020?

• About:
  • The NEP 2020 aims at making “India a global knowledge superpower”. It is only the 3rd major revamp of the framework of education in India since independence.
    • The two earlier education policies were brought in 1968 and 1986.
    • Ensuring Universal Access at All Levels of schooling from pre-primary school to Grade 12.
    • Ensuring quality early childhood care and education for all children between 3-6 years.
    • New Curricular and Pedagogical Structure (5+3+3+4) corresponds to the age groups of 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively.
      • It covers four stages of schooling: Foundational Stage (5 years), Preparatory Stage (3 years), Middle Stage (3 years), and Secondary Stage (4 years).

      What are the Major Initiatives Taken Under NEP 2020?

      • PM Schools for Rising India (SHRI): PM-SHRI schemeaims to provide high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive, and joyful school environment.
        • It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in September 2022 for upgradation and development of more than 14500 Schools across the country.
        • Rs. 630 crore has been allocated to upgrade schools under the PM SHRI initiative.
        • In alignment with this vision, the Ministry of Education has witnessed a budget of Rs. 1,12,899 crore in 2023-24, indicating a 13.68% increment from 2020-21.
        • Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed for the establishment of IIT campuses in Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi, reflecting India's global educational outreach.
        • NEP 2020's innovative approach extends to Gujarat's GIFT City, where world-class foreign universities and institutions are permitted to offer specialized courses.
          • This move, free from domestic regulations, aims to nurture high-end human resources for financial services and technology.

          What are the Other Related Initiatives?

          • World-Class Institutions Scheme: The World Class Institutions Scheme, initiated in 2017, aims to create affordable, top-notch academic and research facilities.
            • The scheme designates "Institutions of Eminence" (IoEs) to promote academic excellence.
            • To date, 12 institutions, including eight public and four private ones, have been identified as IoEs, a testament to India's commitment to providing world-class education.
            • The Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) enhances research ecosystems by fostering collaborations between Indian and foreign institutions.
            • These initiatives contribute to elevating research quality and promoting knowledge exchange.

            UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

            Prelims

            Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (2012)

            1. Directive Principles of State Policy
            2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
            3. Fifth Schedule
            4. Sixth Schedule
            5. Seventh Schedule

            Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

            (a) 1 and 2 only
            (b) 3, 4 and 5 only
            (c) 1, 2 and 5 only
            (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

            Ans- (d)

            Mains

            Q1. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (2020)

            Q2. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021)