NEP addresses 21st century challenges: Modi | India News – Times of India

PM Modi at a conclave on higher education via video conferencing (PTI photo)

NEW DELHI: Stating that a healthy debate will help the education sector, PM Narendra Modi on Friday said it was encouraging that no region or section of society has levelled any charge of bias against the new National Education Policy unveiled by the Centre.
“It is a pleasure that after the National Education Policy was announced, no region in the country or section of the society have said there is any bias. This is also an indicator that the changes people have been expecting in the education system for years have been presented in the policy,” the PM said.
Assuring that NEP has his complete political commitment, Modi said it’s natural for questions to arise on how such massive reforms will be implemented. Students in India will get ready for the challenges of the 21st century and contribute constructively in nation-building, the PM said while delivering the inaugural address at the ‘Conclave on Transformational Reforms in Higher Education under National Education Policy’ via video-conferencing.
Participants in the conclave included education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, K Kasturirangan, chairperson, committee for draft NEP and Amit Khare, secretary, higher education among others.
Modi said systemic changes will be made wherever necessary. “We have to do this together. You all are directly involved with the implementation of the National Education Policy and therefore your role is crucial.”
The PM said like all nations which integrate national values in their education system and bring in reforms based on national goals so as to make its present generation “future ready”, India’s NEP too is based on the same principles.
However, Modi also pointed out that NEP 2020 is also in sync with global changes. “A new world order and global standard is emerging. To sync our changes with that is also important… While we have to make our students global citizens, we also need to ensure they stay connected with their roots.”
Modi said: “While so far the focus has been on ‘what to think’, this policy shifts it to ‘how to think”. “We are also trying to ensure that the talent of India stays in India and works for the development of generations to come,” said the PM.