NEP focusses on mother tongue, skills for India's youth, says Dharmendra Pradhan

India has entered a significant phase in its educational journey with the National Education Policy (NEP), announced on July 29, 2020.

As the NEP enters its sixth year, policymakers are focusing on moving beyond old patterns and embracing reforms centered on skill development and innovation.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has emphasized that the NEP will serve as the means to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of moving the new generation away from the so-called 'Macaulay mentality.'

The NEP brings reforms in school, higher, and technical education, aiming to create a system that is both relevant and forward-looking.

Pradhan highlighted, "Prime Minister Modi has said the country needs to come out of the Macaulay mentality. The NEP 2020 will be the medium to bring the new generation of the country out of the Macaulay mentality."

Leaders have acknowledged the need to confront the legacy of British-era education.

At



the sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi stated, "The crime committed by Macaulay against India's cultural and educational foundations will complete 200 years in 2035. I want to appeal to the entire country: over the next decade, we must resolve to free ourselves from the mindset of slavery that Macaulay imposed on India."

Union Minister Pradhan has reiterated the pivotal role of youth in shaping the country’s future.

He pointed out that India is home to a large youth population, making it essential to equip them with education in their mother tongue, along with a focus on competency and skills.

In his words, "India is a country of the youth and it is the responsibility of the education department to prepare the youth and future generations with education in mother tongue, competency-based studies and skill-based studies."

This policy direction is intended to ensure that education is accessible and practical, aligning with the real-world demands students will face.