Focus on Student Outcomes While Debating NEP 2020
Any discussion around the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 must go beyond political divides. The real goal is to strengthen education through a transparent, technology-driven, and outcome-based system. While no system is perfect, reforms under NEP 2020 are shaping India’s academic future. Constructive debate, not broad rejection, will lead to progress.
Transparent Governance and Academic Leadership
The draft UGC guidelines of 2025 promote merit-based selection of academic leaders. Governors serving as chancellors is a long-standing practice, and the new guidelines aim to improve transparency in these appointments. By standardizing selection processes, the policy supports cooperative federalism and helps universities operate effectively.
Strengthening Schools, Not Closing Them
NEP 2020 does not weaken the Right to Education Act. Instead, it expands access and enhances quality. The concept of school complexes—where smaller schools share resources—is based on global best practices. Allegations that the policy led to the closure of over 89,000 public schools are misleading. In fact, school consolidation is a long-standing administrative measure to improve efficiency.
Investments under schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and PM SHRI schools confirm the government’s commitment to strengthening public education.
Public and Private Education Must Co-Exist
Claims that NEP 2020 pushes students into private schools ignore the broader picture. Education in India is not a zero-sum game between public and private institutions. Both can serve different needs. The focus must be on co-existence, where both sectors are strengthened to deliver quality education.
Funding Education Through Innovation
The Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) is not a withdrawal of government funding. It offers higher education institutions access to capital through long-term, low-interest loans. Repayments are not solely dependent on student fees, and the model is designed to be sustainable. This system provides flexibility without compromising affordability.
Improving Institutions Like NAAC and NTA
Both the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA) have faced criticism. But instead of scrapping them, the focus should be on reform. Both institutions are undergoing digital transformation and embracing recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee to increase transparency and reduce irregularities.
Revising Textbooks Is Not Erasing History
Concerns about NCERT textbook revisions have been addressed. Historical topics like the Mughal era or Gandhi’s assassination are still part of the curriculum. The aim is to streamline content, reduce redundancy, and make learning more engaging. The NCERT has responded to public feedback by making necessary corrections, including the restoration of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution in updated editions.
Faculty Selection Is Based on Merit
Claims of ideological bias in faculty appointments are unfounded. The UGC continues to follow transparent, regulation-based procedures. Indian institutions still attract top scholars and contribute to global research. NEP 2020 promotes a multi-disciplinary, skill-based, and research-driven academic environment.
Making Government Schools Centres of Excellence
The PM SHRI initiative underlines a shift toward high-quality learning in government schools. These schools aim to set a benchmark for academic excellence. NEP 2020 also promotes education in regional languages, encourages industry collaboration, and supports skill development to make students job-ready.
State Autonomy and National Consistency
There is no conflict between state autonomy and a common national framework. Consistency in learning outcomes, faculty selection, and academic standards ensures smooth student mobility across states. Expansion of IITs, AIIMS, and central universities, along with schemes like PM Internship and Vidyalaxmi, reflects a strong public commitment to accessible education.
Let Student Outcomes Guide the Debate
Since the introduction of NEP 2020, there have been visible improvements in public education. India’s education reforms must focus on equity, accessibility, and quality. Let us not resist change for the sake of old structures. Our priority must be to build a future-ready education system that empowers students.
