Punjab Educators Demand State-Level Education Policy, Reject NEP 2020
Educationists, teachers, and student leaders in Punjab have strongly opposed the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, calling it unsuitable for the state’s educational needs. During an awareness convention organised by the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF), Punjab, speakers demanded that Punjab create its own education policy tailored to local challenges.
NEP 2020 Criticised for Digitalisation, Privatisation Push
Professor Vikas Bajpai of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, criticised NEP 2020 for relying too heavily on digitalisation instead of solving key problems like teacher shortages. According to him, this over-dependence on technology could lead to increased privatisation in education.
He warned that under the NEP, teacher promotions could soon be based on digital metrics, and alleged that the policy includes plans to shut down one-third of universities in the next 15 years.
NEP Compared to Farm Laws, Accused of Serving Corporate Interests
Vikramdev Singh, president of DTF Punjab, compared NEP 2020 to the controversial three farm laws, suggesting both aim to corporatise vital public sectors. “This so-called education revolution promoted by the Punjab government may benefit corporates but threatens the common people’s right to education,” he said.
Experts Stress Importance of Regional Languages
Professor Joga Singh, former faculty at Punjabi University, Patiala, stressed the need to promote education in the mother tongue. He criticised the NEP’s promises on regional languages as misleading. Singh proposed a resolution advocating mother-tongue instruction from pre-primary through university, which received full support.
Concerns Over Corporate Interference in Schools
Germanjeet Singh, president of the Democratic Employees Federation, warned that NEP 2020 might allow corporate players to influence education policy. He likened it to turning students into cheap labour.
Echoing these concerns, Dharminder Dhanda, chairman of the Democratic School Teachers Federation, Haryana, argued that the NEP follows the same pattern as past agricultural policies, which aimed to centralise control under private entities.
Students Express Solidarity with Teachers’ Demands
Dheeraj Kumar from the Punjab Students Union supported the DTF and praised its work in raising awareness. He pledged the union’s continued support on education and student welfare issues.
During the event, Rajiv Barnala moved multiple resolutions. These included a call to move education to the State List and a condemnation of recent anti-DTF remarks by an AAP spokesperson. All resolutions were passed unanimously.
Memorandum to Be Submitted to CM
The convention concluded with Beyant Phulewala, DTF’s state vice-president, reading a memorandum to be submitted to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. It outlines the key concerns and demands raised during the convention.
