Implementation of NEP in West Bengal | 07 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

A Supreme Court lawyer petitioned the top court to direct the Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal governments to implement the National Education Policy (NEP).  

  • The plea comes amid a heated debate led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who has accused the Centre of imposing Hindi on the State. 

 Key Points 

  • Argument for NEP Implementation: 
    • The plea urged Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Centre to implement the NEP. 
    • It was argued that these States must act to protect children’s fundamental right to education. 
  • Clarification on Hindi in NEP: 
    • The NEP mentions ‘Hindi’ only once and does not mandate its imposition. 
    • The policy does not compel State governments to teach Hindi to children. 
  • Constitutional and Legal Considerations: 
    • The plea argued that both the Centre and the States have a stake in education, as it falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution. 
    • The petition acknowledged that the Supreme Court cannot directly compel a State to adopt a policy or sign an MoU. 
      • However, the court can intervene if the matter affects fundamental rights. 

 National Education Policy 2020 

  • About: 
    • The National Education Policy 2020 seeks to tackle the evolving development needs of India. 
      • It calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system, including its regulations and management, to establish a modern system that aligns with 21st-century educational goals, including Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), while respecting India's cultural heritage and values. 
    • It replaces the thirty-four year old National Policy on Education, 1986, modified in 1992 (NPE 1986/92). 
  • Salient Features: 
    • Universal Access: NEP 2020 focuses on universal access to school education, including pre-school to secondary levels. 
    • Early Childhood Education: The 10+2 structure will shift to a 5+3+3+4 system, bringing 3-6-year-olds under school curriculum, with a focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). 
    • Multilingualism: Mother tongue or regional language will be the medium of instruction till Grade 5, with options for Sanskrit and other languages. 
      • Indian Sign Language (ISL) will be standardized. 
    • Inclusive Education: Special emphasis on Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), support for children with disabilities, and establishment of "Bal Bhavans." 
    • Elimination of Barriers: The policy promotes a seamless education system with no rigid distinctions between arts and sciences, curricular and extracurricular activities, and vocational and academic streams. 
    • GER Enhancement: Aim to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio from 26.3% to 50% by 2035, adding 3.5 crore new seats. 
    • Research Focus: Creation of National Research Foundation to boost research culture and capacity. 
    • Language Preservation: Support for Indian languages, including an Institute of Translation and Interpretation (IITI) and strengthening language departments. 
    • Internationalization: Facilitation of international collaborations and entry of top-ranked foreign universities. 
    • Funding: Joint efforts to increase public investment in education to 6% of GDP. 
    • PARAKH Assessment Center: The establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) as a national assessment center signifies a significant step towards competency-based and holistic assessment in education. 
    • Gender Inclusion Fund: The policy introduces a Gender Inclusion Fund, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in education and supporting initiatives to empower disadvantaged groups. 
    • Special Education Zones: Special Education Zones are envisioned to address the specific needs of disadvantaged regions and groups, furthering the policy's commitment to equitable access to quality education for all.