Even as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) released a few inputs on the draft National Education Policy (NEP) on Thursday, educationists and activists from the city said that they would submit their suggestions on the framing of the policy.
‘Not transparent’
Earlier this week, members of the State Platform for Common School System had said that the consultation process initiated by the committee in charge for the evolution of the NEP in the State had not been transparent.
The members had also asked the MHRD to release the draft policy online and call for suggestions from educationists as well as the general public, which they believed would have an impact on the country’s education system in the future.
Along with the inputs published on their website, the Ministry has also asked for views and suggestions to be sent tonep.edu@gov.in.
Collective inputs
P. Ratnasabapathy, president of the State Platform for Common School System, said that they would be bringing together various parent, teacher and educational institution associations and hold a discussion on the inputs that had been published.
“After briefing them on what the inputs state about the policy, we will collectively decide on suggestions to be sent to the ministry to be implemented in the NEP,” he said.
“While this is not the draft policy but just a few inputs for the same, we find many points alarming as there are several indicators that the policy is steering education along the path of the General Agreement on Trade in Services. The inputs also talk about how tribunals will have a major role to play over courts, in issues concerning education in the country,” said Prince Gajendrababu, General Secretary of the State platform.
‘Against principle’
Stating that the inputs published on the draft policy speak in detail about online coaching and alternative schooling, Mr. Prince Gajendrababu added that proposing alternative education for students after categorising them based on social deprivation went against the principle of providing equitable opportunities to all.
A discussion with stakeholders will be held before suggestions are sent to MHRD
