With the aim to empower India as a
global knowledge superpower, the New Education policy provides new dimensions
to the education system. To ponder on the nuances of the policy, Hans Raj
Mahila Maha Vidyalaya organized a thought provoking National Web Conference on
“National Education Policy: Perspectives and Challenges” under the dynamic
guidance of Principal Prof. Dr. Mrs. Ajay Sareen. The one of its kind
conference was organized on virtual platform under the aegis of Unnat Bharat
Abhiyaan and coordinated by Dr. Ramnita Saini Sharda.
Opening on a pious note with the
recital of Gayatri Mantra and DAV Anthem, the inaugural session on the topic “NEP:
Perspectives and Challenges- A dialogue with the Stakeholders” was graced
by renowned educationists, Sh. Shiv Raman Gaur, IAS (Retd.) Director Higher
Education, DAVCMC, New Delhi and Dr. TS Benipal, Dean College Development
Council, GNDU, Amritsar.
Principal Dr. Ajay Sareen accorded a
warm welcome to the distinguished guests and presented them with seed bouquets.
She expressed that the implementation of the new policy requires a change of
the mindset with a transition from the traditional to the contemporary
techniques. The focus on Skill sector opens up new vistas in the job scenario.
An important facet of the system is the use of technology for its successful
implementation. She further said that the policy envisages a development of the
full human potential but it also poses a number of challenges.
Dr. Ramnita Saini Sharda introduced
the purpose of this conference as to deliberate upon the various aspects of the
policy from different levels and welcomed Sh. Shiv Raman Gaur to present his
views on ‘The role of Management in NEP.’
Honourable
Guest, Sh. Shiv Raman Gaur offered an extensive as well as intensive glimpse in
to the NEP by highlighting its basic features. Unfloding the problems from the
grassroots level, he pointed out that the rigmarole of the system has brought a
great strain on the educational institutions. There is a need to make a lot of
amendments and simplify the procedures involved in opening and running schools
and colleges. The major challenge is the lack of resources and funds without
which a system cannot thrive well. He spoke at length on the integration of
vocational courses in to the main stream which also emphasize the importance of
the concept of dignity of labour. The
successful implementation of this policy requires the private and the public
sectors to work in unison and complement each other.
A
renowned academician and a scientist Dean College Development Council GNDU
Amritsar, Dr. TS Benipal candidly brought to light the gaps between the theory
and practice. Offering a realistic approach, he drew attention towards the
difficulties faced by the universities in the implementation of policies. He
stressed that the policies should be designed after taking the stakeholders in
to confidence as they are aware of the practical issues. The NEP demands an
overhauling of the traditional education system which needs sufficient
financial support from the governments so that the quality of education does
not get sacrificed. He also highlighted the issues regarding recruitment of
faculty and proper scales as essential components of the New policy. S. Lakhwinder Singh Gill, Former Dy. Director
Colleges, Pb. was also present.
During
the afternoon session, Lead speaker Dr. Randhir Rathore, Dean Academics, Shri
Vishwakarma Skill University, said that By 2025, at least 50% of learners
through the school and higher education system shall have exposure to
vocational education. He said that secondary schools will also collaborate with
ITI’s, polytechnics and local industry. Second speaker was Dr. Pangkhuri
Borogohian, Anaylst, Apprenticeship Division, NSDC. She told about
apprenticeship in detail and said that it is a combination of basic training
and on the job training. She told that apprenticeship is a structured training
and also told about benefits of apprenticeship. Third speaker was Dr. Parwinder
Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT,
Ropar. He explained National Education Policy in context of mental health. He
said that things are very optimistic in new education policy in regard to
mental health. Fourth speaker was Mr. Ujjwal Chugh, Digital Visionary, Founder
and CEO, ISOLS Group, Gurugram. He said that skill development is a way to
manifest your interest area or your passion. He said that skill development
will enable to create more young entrepreneurs and startups. Mrs. Meenakshi
Sayal, Nodal Officer, Community College, HMV summed up the session by
explaining the practical challenges faced in introducing skill development.
The valedictory session witnessed
another vigorous expression by Dr. Amit Kauts, Dean Education Colleges, GNDU
and Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Chairperson School of Social Sciences, GNDU, Amritsar.
With a comprehensive understanding of the policy, Dr. Amit Kauts discussed about
the practicability of the implementation of the policy saying that it is not
the task of a single Ministry. We need a central and shared committee under the
Prime Minister and coordination between different agencies. He congratulated
the college for holding this discussion because the people need to be aware of
what is expected of them.
Dr.
Rajesh Kumar raised serious concerns about the overemphasis on technology and
mechanical gadgets, complete replacement of the previous system and
restructuring the system. He coaxed the
listeners to think about whether a uniform policy is desirable and applicable
in a country like India where we celebrate diversity.
Dr.
Ramnita Saini Sharda concluded the discussion with a vote of thanks and
honoring the resource persons remarking that we need to accept and weigh the
merits as well as demerits of the policy.
