NEP 2020 emphasises foundational learning, multilingualism, and skilling to align education with societal and economic needs – Sanjay Kumar
The 8th CII National School Education Summit, themed "Transforming Education: Shaping India’s Future," took place today in New Delhi, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and educators to discuss the future of school education in India. The summit featured an exhibition showcasing the latest EdTech innovations, technologies, and solutions, providing a glimpse into a future-ready school education system.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Hon'ble Minister of State for Education, highlighted the transformative role of education in shaping India’s future. He stressed the importance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in strengthening foundational education and preparing a globally competitive workforce. Dr. Majumdar emphasized the need for schools to evolve beyond rote learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. He called for the integration of modern technologies like AI and virtual reality in curricula and encouraged teachers to acquire digital skills. His address focused on creating global citizens who are culturally aware and collaborative.
Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Education, discussed how education is key to societal progress and economic growth. He pointed to the correlation between education investment and economic metrics, like the increase in India’s expected years of schooling. Kumar spoke about the challenges of India’s education system, including inefficiencies in public schools and the need for structural reforms. He underlined the NEP 2020’s emphasis on foundational learning, multilingualism, and skilling to align education with societal and economic needs.
Ms. Radhika Bharat Ram, Summit Chair & Joint Vice Chairperson of The Shri Ram Schools, focused on the role of NEP 2020 in making India a knowledge economy. She proposed the creation of a Digital Education Framework to ensure equitable access to education, encourage states to adopt digital technology, and ultimately shape India’s future workforce.
Maj Gen PR Murali, VSM(Retd), Managing Director of Army Welfare Education Society, shared his insights on the importance of holistic education, combining academics, life skills, and character development. He discussed the Army's focus on quality education and character development at affordable costs, and advocated for education beyond academics, including hands-on learning and dignity of labor.
Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, emphasized the need to integrate vocational education and experiential learning into the school system to foster a knowledge society. He called for a culturally rooted education system that promotes 21st-century life skills while honoring traditional Indian knowledge systems.
Mr. Anandrao V. Patil, Additional Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, spoke about India's vast education system and the challenges of digital education. He highlighted the government's efforts to bridge the digital divide through initiatives like PM Shree Schools and the Diksha platform, which support teacher training and learning outcomes.
During the summit, the CII report on the Comparative Study of School Education Systems across eight countries—India, Australia, China, Indonesia, Sweden, Thailand, UK, and USA—was unveiled. The report provides valuable insights into regional disparities, gender gaps, and infrastructure deficits that impact equitable access to education. It also offers recommendations on investing in infrastructure and learning from global best practices to enhance educational outcomes.
The summit concluded with a call to action for a collective effort in transforming India’s education system, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to India’s progress.
20 December 2024
New Delhi