National Policy on education
by Yuvi - December 2, 2020
National Policy on education.
Introduction
In his broadcast to the nation on January 5, 1985, then Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi promised a new educational policy that would equip the country both scientifically and economically for the 21st century. He observed –
“Education must promote national cohesion and the work ethics. The grandeur of our freedom struggle and its significance for national integration has to be brought home to every student. Our schools and colleges should acquaint the younger generation with India’s ancient heritage and culture. The curricula and text books should curb parochial and communal interpretation of our composite culture.”
The Prime Minister strongly emphasized – “Education’s organic links with the productive forces of society” and proposed to “reorganize vocational education to align it with industry, agriculture, communication and other productive sectors of our country.”
In the above words of the Prime Minister are contained those compulsions which have gone into the making of the National Policy on Education, 1986.
The final draft of the National Policy on education was preceded by status report. It was entitled – “challenge of education – a policy perspective.” It was presented to the Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi and Parliament on 20th August, 1985 by Mr. K.C. Pant, the then Education Minister. The document contained an overview of the state of education in the country and gave pointers to the direction of further programmes.
Objectives
- Vocationalisation of education.
- Scientific and technological awakening.
- Encouraging government and non-government efforts to wipe out literacy.
Recommendations
- National system of education.
- Emphasis on learning.
- Delinking degrees.
- Vocationalisation of education.
- Importance of moral values.
- Reform in examination system.
- Education of the weaker sections of society.
- Achievement of art 45 targets – operation black board.
- Encouraging games and sports.
- All India educational service.
- Open university.
- Modernization of education.
- Navodya schools.
- Protection of environment.
- Women education.
- Preservation of national culture.
- Teacher status.