Lok Sabha Question No. 57 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-09-14
Subject: National Education Policy
Ministry: Education
Asked by: Suresh Kodikunnil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 57 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.09.2020

## National Education Policy

## 57. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of  EDUCATION  be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  implementing  a  National  Education  Policy;  and,  if  so,  details thereof; and,
- (b)  whether  the  Government  through  the  National  Education  Policy,  intends  to  enhance substantial  investment  in  public  education  system  through  private  participation;  and,  if  so,  the details thereof; and,
- (c) whether the National Education Policy envisages greater participation of global universities and research institutions in partnership and standalone models; and,
- (d) if so, whether the Government examined a possibility of lack of access to a vast section of students to such institutions and universities who belong to the socio economically disadvantaged groups due to the cost of tuition and fees levied; and
- (e)  if  so,  would  the  Government  consider  establishing  a  reduced  pattern  of  fees  for  the  socio economically disadvantaged groups in such institutions; and
- (f) the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL 'NISHANK')

(a): As per National Education Policy 2020, implementation of the Policy requires multiple initiatives and actions, which will have to be taken by multiple bodies in a synchronized and systematic manner. Accordingly, this Ministry has communicated to all States/UT Governments for implementation of NEP 2020 in letter and spirit. Ministry of Education is also organising 'Shikshak Parv' from 8 th September  to  25 th September,  2020  to  deliberate  on  various  themes  and  implementation  of NEP 2020 aimed at eliciting suggestions.  Ministry has also organised a Conference of Governors on 'Role of National Education Policy in Transforming Higher Education'. In the conference, Governors  and  Lt.  Governors  of  State  and  Union  Territories,  Education  Minister  of  State  and UTs, Vice Chancellors of State Universities and other dignitaries participated and stated that the State/UT Government have started taking initiatives for implementing the NEP 2020.  There has been wide publicity with a positive and overwhelming response from stakeholders on NEP 2020.

(b):  In  order  to  attain  the  goal  of  education  with  excellence  and  the  corresponding  multitude  of benefits  to  this  Nation  and  its  economy,  this  Policy  unequivocally  endorses  and  envisions  a substantial increase in public investment in education by both the Central government and all State Governments.  The  Centre  and  the  States  will  work  together  to  increase  the  public  investment  in Education  sector  to  reach  6%  of  GDP  at  the  earliest.  This  is  considered  extremely  critical  for achieving the high-quality and equitable public education system that is truly needed for India's future economic, social, cultural, intellectual, and technological progress and growth. The Policy also calls for the rejuvenation, active promotion, and support for private philanthropic activity in the education sector. In particular, over and above the public budgetary support which would have been otherwise provided  to  them,  any  public  institution  can  take  initiatives  towards  raising  private  philanthropic funds to enhance educational experiences.

(c): India will be promoted as a global study destination providing premium education at affordable costs thereby helping to restore its role as a Vishwa Guru. An International Students Office at each HEI  hosting  foreign  students  will  be  set  up  to  coordinate  all  matters  relating  to  welcoming  and supporting  students  arriving  from  abroad.  Research/teaching  collaborations  and  faculty/student exchanges with high-quality foreign institutions will be facilitated, and relevant mutually beneficial MOUs with foreign countries will be signed. High performing Indian universities will be encouraged to set up campuses in other countries, and similarly, selected universities e.g., those from among the top  100  universities  in  the  world  will  be  facilitated  to  operate  in  India.  A  legislative  framework facilitating such entry will be put in place, and such universities will be given special dispensation regarding  regulatory,  governance,  and  content  norms  on  par  with  other  autonomous  institutions  of India.  Furthermore,  research  collaboration  and  student  exchanges  between  Indian  institutions  and global institutions will be promoted through special efforts. Credits acquired in foreign universities will be permitted, where appropriate as per the requirements of each HEI, to be counted for the award of a degree.

(d) to (f): It is envisaged in the NEP 2020 that special attention will be given to reduce the disparities in the educational development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. As a part of the efforts to enhance participation in school education, special hostels in dedicated regions, bridge courses, and financial assistance through fee waivers and scholarships will be offered to talented and meritorious students from all SEDGs on a larger scale, especially at the secondary stage of education, to facilitate their entry into higher education. Efforts will be made to incentivize the merit of students belonging to  SC,  ST,  OBC, and  other  SEDGs.  The  National Scholarship  Portal  will  be  expanded  to  support, foster, and track the progress of students receiving scholarships. Private HEIs will be encouraged to offer larger numbers of free ships and scholarships to their students.

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