Question

The Union Cabinet recently approved the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020. Which of the following statements are correct about the policy?

1. Compulsory allocation of 4% of the GDP in Education sector by the Union Govt.

2. Aims to bring the uncovered age group of 3-6 years under school curriculum.

3. Gross enrolment ratio in Higher Education to be raised to 50% by 2030.

4. The policy envisages to set up Gender Inclusion Fund.

5. The National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) to be created to provide a platform for the free exchange of ideas on use of technology to enhance learning.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. Only 1, 2 and 4
2. Only 1, 3 and 5
3. Only 2, 3 and 4
4. Only 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Only 2, 3, 4 and 5

The correct answer is Only 2, 3, 4, and 5.

• On 29 July 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the National Education Policy 2020.
• The policy targets making way for large-scale, transformational reforms in both school and higher education sectors.
• This policy will replace the National Policy on Education (NPE),1986.
• Before 1986, the first National Education Policy was released in 1968 based on recommendations of the Kothari Commission.
• The Cabinet has also approved the renaming of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to the Ministry of Education.
• The National Education Policy 2020 is based on the recommendations of a committee chaired by former Isro chief K Kasturirangan.

• National Education Policy 2020 announced, aims to increase spending to 6% of GDP. Hence 1 statement is incorrect.
  • Currently, India spends around 4.6 % of its total GDP on education.
• This will bring the hitherto uncovered age group of 3-6 years under the school curriculum, which has been recognized globally as the crucial stage for the development of mental faculties of a child. Hence 2 statement is correct.
• Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education to be raised to 50% by 2030 from current 26.3%, 3.5 crore seats to be added in higher education. Hence 3 statement is correct.
• This includes setting up of Gender Inclusion Fund and also Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups. Hence 4 statement is correct.
• An autonomous body, the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), will be created to provide a platform for the free exchange of ideas on the use of technology to enhance learning, assessment, planning, administration. Hence 5 statement is correct.

• In NEP 2020, the current 10+2 system to be replaced by a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively.
• IN NEP 2020, teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/ regional language. No language will be imposed on any student.
• A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), will be set up as a standard-setting body.