Bhubaneswar: An important meeting and workshop regarding the implementation of the National Education Policy-2020 in the higher education system in Odisha was held on Tuesday in the conference hall of the Lok Seva Bhavan.
Minister of Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Suryabanshi Suraj chaired the meeting.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner cum Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Executive Member of Odisha State Higher Education Council Prof. Dr. Sasmit Prasad Pani and Prof. Dr Atanu Pati and Vice Chancellors of all public universities of the state participated in the meeting.
At the outset Commissioner cum Secretary of Higher Education Arvind Kumar Agarwal presented the current status of various courses, various scholarships, implementation of various schemes run by the Higher Education Department and highlighted the summary of the outstanding provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 to be implemented.
Agarwal cited the need for State government’s approval for implementation of this policy and discussed potential problems and solutions for its implementation. He also made a presentation on the road map prepared for this and the medium and long term action plan for the implementation of the National Education Policy-2020.
The Vice Chancellors of different universities like Utkal University, Ravenshaw University, Ramadevi Women’s University, Berhampur University, Sambalpur University, Gangadhar Meher University, Fakirmohan University, Odia University, Dharnidhar University, Odisha State Open University, etc. participated in this discussion and gave various suggestions regarding their preparation for the implementation of NEP-2020.
Taking part in the discussion, Higher Education Minister Suraj said that the steps taken by various universities for implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 within few days are commendable. This policy will help to overcome the problems and deficiencies observed in the education system in various areas and will help in fulfilling the need for teachers.
He expressed hope that this policy will be implemented soon in the state following discussions at the top level within next one to three weeks at the top level. He emphasized that this policy should be implemented 100% in the state so that Odisha would set an example for others. The Minister also expressed that the problems in its implementation will be resolved in phases.
The National Education Policy-2020 emphasizes flexibility in implementation and multi-sectoral approach in delivery of education. It simplifies the educational system and allows students to choose different subjects. NEP-2020 aims to make quality education accessible to all through scholarships, inclusive courses and support systems.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) released a comprehensive framework for pre-graduate courses in December 2020, which mentions the requirements of the course and the credit system for measuring and evaluating student work and effort. Four-year UG degree (Hons) and 4-year UG degree (Honours with research) in the new curriculum system. Programs will also prioritize digital literacy, emphasis on data analysis, and communication skills for workplace readiness.It collaborates with leading companies to ensure that the curriculum is updated and aligned with current industry requirements.
NEP has provisions to encourage students towards entrepreneurship and develop startup ideas with industry support. NEP 2020 also empowers students to tailor their education to their individual goals and aspirations. It has more control over the learning path of the students.
NEP 2020 promotes interdisciplinary learning, which allows students to explore a variety of subjects. It also promotes creativity and problem solving skills NEP 2020 supports lifelong learning by providing single entry and exit routes. It also provides for students to return to education at any point in their career.
