Questions raised over NEP-2020
In Short
Speaking on “New National Education Policy and the Future of Our Nation,” Nayak said the education policies of 1968 and 1986 had undergone parliamentary discussions before implementation.
Share :
Brahmapur: NEP-2020 cannot be called a national education policy as it was neither debated in Parliament nor discussed in any State Legislative Assembly, said former Utkal University Professor Birendra Nayak at a discussion held in Brahmapur to mark the birth centenary of former Lok Sabha Speaker Rabi Ray.
Speaking on “New National Education Policy and the Future of Our Nation,” Nayak said the education policies of 1968 and 1986 had undergone parliamentary discussions before implementation. In contrast, he alleged, the 2020 policy was prepared without adequate participation of students, teachers, progressive organisations and intellectual forums. He further alleged that the policy gives prominence to Sanatan Dharma instead of India’s broader ancient knowledge traditions and described NEP-2020 as a political document rather than an education policy.
Nayak stressed that an education policy should take into account students, teachers and their geographical and social backgrounds and should focus on education that helps shape the future of students and the country.
The programme was organised by the Rabi Ray Memorial Committee under the chairmanship of environmentalist Prafulla Samantara. Senior journalist and ‘Samadrusti’ editor Bighneswar Sahu coordinated the event and spoke about Rabi Ray’s life and contributions. Samadrusti Media Foundation chairman and columnist Sudhir Patnaik spoke about the present education system and called for greater awareness. Former Chhatrapur MLA N Narayan Reddy recalled Rabi Ray’s association with Ganjam and his support for the anti-Tata movement. Lohia Academy Trust secretary Debaprasad Ray spoke on the compilation of the Rabi Ray Memorial Lecture Series, while ‘Naveen’ weekly editor Rabi Rath delivered the welcome address. A special issue of ‘Naveen’ dedicated to Rabi Ray was also released. AAP activist Aditya Rath also spoke, while essayist Dr Bidhuprobha Rath proposed the vote of thanks.
