National Education Policy is key to India's growth, says education minister

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has underscored the critical role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047—a vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at a Letter of Intent (LOI) handover event with the University of Liverpool, Pradhan emphasized the need for international collaboration and progressive reforms to meet India's educational ambitions. “India, with a student population of 300 million—of which 40 million are in higher education—must raise its Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from the current 26–27% to 50% in the next five years,” he said.

He stressed that education reform is not optional but essential for India's growth on the global stage. “To realise our dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047, we must implement the NEP in letter and spirit. We cannot afford to remain inward-looking—we must think globally and



act accordingly,” Pradhan stated.

The NEP 2020, which replaced the decades-old 1986 education policy, is a landmark framework designed to revamp India's education system from school to university level. One of its most significant features is the flexibility it offers students in choosing the language of instruction. Unlike earlier policies, students are no longer compelled to study any specific language—they are now encouraged to learn in a language that resonates with their personal and cultural context.

This learner-centric approach was shaped through extensive consultations and feedback from stakeholders across the education ecosystem, making the policy not only inclusive but also forward-looking.

Pradhan's remarks reflect the government’s commitment to leveraging education as a key pillar in India’s journey toward inclusive growth, global competitiveness, and long-term national development.