Centre seeks consensus on new education policy

Union human resource development minister Prakash Javadekar is likely to have a detailed discussion on the proposed National Education Policy with education ministers at the Central Advisory Board of Education meeting on October 25. Mr Javadekar hopes to evolve a consensus on various issues, including the no-detention policy, during discussions of the highest advisory body on education.

Sources close to the minister said Mr Javadekar will discuss and seek the opinion of state education ministers on no detention policy till Class 8 and provisional Class 10 Board examinations.

Several states have expressed reservation on the present ‘no detention policy’ and want to bring in an examination system from Class 5. The opinion seeking exercise is also being viewed to avoid further controversies and allegations of high-handedness in the education sector.

Other issues to be taken up are ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning and skill development opportunities for all. The meet could also discuss development of educational infrastructure and enhancement of teachers training facilities in the country. Mr Javadekar is keen on continuing his own consultation process on the National Education Policy, and the much touted T. S. R. Subramanian report — appointed during the tenure of the then HRD minister Smriti Irani for making suggestions for the new policy — is understood to be on a backburner.

It is believed that the implementation of a new national education policy is one of the major issues being pushed by Prime Minister Narendar Modi as the NDA government tries to leave its imprint on the education sector. The last policy was made almost three decades ago in 1986. However, the finalsation of the new national education policy could be delayed by several months as Mr Javadekar is expected to hold further consultations with several other stakeholders. Thereafter, the government will prepare a draft education policy with additional inputs and put in the public domain for feedback.

No detention policy till Class 8 and provisional Class 10 board examinations were introduced during the UPA-2 tenure as part of educational reform initiated.