New Delhi: The new National Education Policy (NEP) will form the basis of ensuring equality and quality in the education sector, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said on Friday. He also rubbished the allegations of “saffronisation” of education.
It may be recalled that the new policy approved by the Union Cabinet in 2020 replaced the 34-year-old National Policy on Education framed back in 1986.
“There is no such thing as saffronisation of education. Those who are alleging this, do not have a correct definition of saffronisation. Yes, we are respecting our mother tongue but are countries like Israel and Japan which offer education in their language, behind others?” Education Minister was quoted as saying by news agency PTI at the India Economic Conclave.
The NEP 2020 advocates for teaching up to Class V in mother tongue or regional language, lowering the stakes of board exams, having a single regulator for higher education institutions except for law and medical colleges, and common entrance tests for universities.
“English is not knowledge, it is just a language. Today when Germany has over 14 universities teaching Sanskrit, no one asks them anything, when we do the same, there are allegations of saffronisation,” Pokhriyal said.
“No language is being imposed on anyone. We have brought an excellent new education policy which will ensure equality, quality and access in the education sector,” the minister added.
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