Karnataka to scrap NEP 2020 implementation for next academic year – Times of India

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced the decision to eliminate the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) starting from the next academic year. Speaking at a Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) gathering at the party headquarters, CM Siddaramaiah explained that due to uncompleted preparations this year and the commencement of the academic year following the state election results, the abolishment of NEP would be more suitable.

Siddaramaiah stated that altering NEP amidst the ongoing academic session would pose challenges. He pointed out that objections have been raised by students, parents, and educators against NEP. Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP for prematurely implementing NEP in Karnataka before other states.
Academics within the state displayed mixed reactions to the Chief Minister’s announcement. Niranjanaradhya VP, an educationist, suggested prompt formation of a new committee due to the time-consuming nature of policy formulation.

Niranjanaradhya emphasized the importance of a clearly defined vision for the next 15-20 years, prioritizing quality and equitable distribution of educational resources while considering human rights, constitutional values, and the Right to Education.
Madangopal M, who led the task force for NEP implementation in the state, expressed that while there are valuable aspects within NEP, a more nuanced approach should have been taken instead of complete rejection.
NEP 2020 is an extension of the unfinished 1986 education policy. Madangopal highlighted NEP’s structural and academic reforms, progressive measures in teacher education and skill development, a multidisciplinary educational approach, and subject choice flexibility, which he believes should have been retained.
The All-India Democratic Students Organisation commended the government’s choice to remove the proposed four-year degree course rule from NEP.
Ajay Kamath, the AIDSO state secretary, raised additional concerns about higher education in the state, urging the government to address issues like increased admission fees, faculty shortages, hostel scarcities, and prolonged delays in scholarship disbursement.