Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates national workshop on NEP 2020

Delhi: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan opened a two-day National Workshop on Higher and Technical Education, gathering state and UT education secretaries in New Delhi on Tuesday. The workshop aims to foster discussion on implementing NEP 2020, enhancing India’s education standards to align with global benchmarks and support economic growth.

Focus on building a knowledge-based economy

Addressing attendees, Minister Pradhan emphasized the workshop’s role in generating strategies for education reform to increase ease of living, boost per capita income, and achieve national priorities. He highlighted the need for India to advance as a producing economy by leveraging Industry 4.0 opportunities and creating an education infrastructure that surpasses global standards.

Key areas for educational development

Pradhan outlined five focal areas for academic leaders and administrators:

1. Strengthening public universities: Emphasizing innovative funding methods to enhance infrastructure.
2. Curriculum think tanks: Aligning education with industry needs and state/UT aspirations.
3. Multidisciplinary research: Promoting global problem-solving through innovation.
4. Academic leadership programs: Developing leadership initiatives through state and central collaborations.
5. Vibrant campus life: Revitalizing campus culture with sports, arts, and non-scholastic pursuits.

Emphasis on Indian languages and accountability

Pradhan stressed the importance of teaching in Indian languages, encouraging educational accountability to better serve students and establish India’s global education leadership.

NEP 2020: A roadmap to India’s educational transformation

Minister of State Dr. Sukanta Majumdar applauded the NEP 2020, describing it as a blueprint to make India a knowledge superpower. He outlined NEP’s pillars—access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability—as the basis for a modern, competitive education system, urging states to embrace the policy fully for economic growth, skill development, and innovation.

Framework for implementation and technical sessions

Higher Education Secretary K Sanjay Murthy introduced the workshop’s 14 technical sessions, covering NEP 2020’s challenges and implementation, digital governance, financing education, and capacity building. He noted that 20 guidelines developed over the last three years would provide a structured framework for universities.

Driving economic growth and competitiveness through NEP

The workshop underscores how NEP 2020 can stimulate states’ economic growth by fostering a skilled workforce and enhancing global competitiveness. Through research emphasis and interdisciplinary approaches, NEP aims to develop innovation ecosystems within states, promoting technology and development.

Technical sessions to chart NEP implementation

The workshop will feature 14 sessions led by prominent experts, discussing NEP 2020’s rollout challenges, technology integration, digital governance, and higher education financing. These discussions aim to provide a roadmap for NEP adoption across India, enabling an inclusive and competitive education system.