Narendra Modi reviews NEP 2020 implementation, suggests introduction of hybrid learning

NEW DELHI: Prime minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 today, May 7, 2022, and said that since its launch, there have been many initiatives taken to achieve access, equity, inclusivity and quality, in the education sector. He said that a hybrid system with both online and offline learning should be introduced to avoid overexposure to technology in school students. Modi pointed out initiatives under the NEP 2020 such as the efforts to bring back out of school children to the mainstream and the introduction of multiple entry and exit in higher education.

For better learning and development of children, the government, under NEP 2020, has initiated schemes such as quality ECCE in Balavatika, NIPUN Bharat, Vidya Pravesh, and examination reforms. Several pedagogies such as art-integrated education and toy-based pedagogy are also included for the same. According to Modi, there should be a hybrid system including both online and offline learning so that there is no overexposure to technology in school students. Integration of the Anganwadi database with the school database, health checkups and screening for school students, and development of indigenous toys to build conceptual skills in school students are other initiatives mentioned under the NEP 2020.

"Prime Minister was also informed that the guidelines for Multiple Entry-Exit for flexibility and lifelong learning, along with the launch Academic Bank of Credit on Digilocker platform will now make it possible for students to study as per their convenience and choice.," said a statement from the prime minister's office. The guidelines by UGC enabling students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously have also been issued.

Online learning resource portals such as SWAYAM, DIKSHA, SWAYAM PRABHA, Virtual Labs and others are providing study materials to students in different Indian languages. They also provide study materials in sign language, and in audio formats. These initiatives have witnessed increased subscriptions from students, claims PMO.

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Under the open and distance learning (ODL) system, as many as 59 higher educational institutions have offered about 351 online courses and 86 institutions are offering about 1081 ODL programmes. The government has extended the limit of online content in a programme to 40 percent. The government also set up about 2,774 Institution Innovation Councils in HEIs across the country to promote innovation and start-ups.

Many states are publishing textbooks in multiple languages, and the DIKSHA platform is providing content in 33 Indian languages to ensure that lack of knowledge of the English language does not limit students from attaining higher education. In this regard, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) also started a language subject called Indian Sign Language (ISL) at the secondary level.

Conducting the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in 13 languages, developing of translation app by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), providing engineering courses in 6 Indian languages, and promoting the Indian Knowledge System are other initiatives that have been carried out under the implementation of NEP 2020.

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