Let us know why a new national education policy was needed to change the education system of the country.

New Delhi New National Education Policy 2020 The Central Government has approved the new National Education Policy for comprehensive changes in the education sector. The new education policy has been approved in the country after nearly three decades. Earlier the National Education Policy was formulated in 1986 and it was amended in 1992. A long time has passed. It is expected that it will initiate new and better changes in the education sector of the country. Let us know why this policy was needed to change the education system of the country and what was the focus in the earlier policies?

In the seven decades of independence, only two national policy related to education was introduced: Before the new national education policy approved by the central government, only two national education policy came into the country. The first education policy was announced in 1968 for the first time after independence. It was based on the recommendations of the Kothari Commission (1964–1966). This policy was implemented by the then Indira Gandhi government. Its main objective was to provide quality education and to provide education to all the citizens of the country. The education policy of the country was reviewed in later years. The second National Education Policy of the country was approved in May 1986. Which was brought by the then Rajiv Gandhi government. The emphasis was on mobilizing resources such as computers and libraries. At the same time, in 1992, PV Narasimha Rao government revised this policy.

The National Education Policy, 1968 was the main thrust on providing education to all the citizens of the country: In the  National Policy on Education, 1968, the Central Government laid down certain principles. These are…

• According to Article 45 of the Constitution of India, there should be compulsory and free education up to the age of 14 years. It should be ensured that every child does not miss school after enrollment.
• In this policy, emphasis was also laid on the development of foreign languages ​​along with Indian languages. A three-language formula should be introduced, in which a student at the secondary level should know the language of his area along with Hindi and English.
• Teachers are the most important factor in determining quality education in the country. Therefore they should get respect in the society. For this, their qualifications and training should be better. Also they should have the freedom to write, read and speak on national and international affairs.
• Every child of the country, irrespective of their caste, religion or region, should have equal opportunity of education. Special attention should be paid to backward classes, children of minorities, girls and physically challenged children to avail education facilities.

The 1986 policy focused on modernization: The National Education Policy 1986 was introduced in 1992. It introduced a comprehensive framework for the development of education in the country. The emphasis was on modernizing education and providing basic facilities.

• Education of backward classes, disabled and minority children should be given more attention.
• This education policy emphasized prohibiting the dropout of children at primary level and said that a network of non-formal education should be introduced in the country. Also, education of children up to the age of 14 years should be made compulsory.
• To reduce the rate of illiteracy among women, more emphasis should be laid on their education. They should be given priority in various educational institutions. Also special provisions will be made for them in vocational and technical education.
• Resources like infrastructure, computers, libraries will be made available to the institutions. Accommodation for the students will be provided especially to the students.
• The Central Advisory Board of Education will play an important role in reviewing educational development and determining the changes required for education reform.
• NGOs will be encouraged to facilitate education in the country