Jain (Deemed-to-be University) in collaboration with CESS (Centre for Education and Social Studies) was privileged to organize a discussion on the Draft New Education Policy on 19 June 2019. Dr. Sandeep Shastri, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Jain (Deemed-to-be University) welcomed the gathering.
Around 90 senior faculty members from the University participate in the dialogue which was led by Dr. M.K. Sridhar, a key member of the National Education Policy Committee and Dr. Chetan Singhai, a Member of the Technical Group of the National Education Policy Committee.
Dr. Chetan highlighted the key features of the Draft policy and its focus on a new architecture for high education and the philosophical underpinnings of the policy. Dr. Sridhar outlined for the audience a conceptual framework for the policy and the key factors that influenced its strategy and approach. He highlighted the fact that the policy was focussed on the future and not on examining the challenges of the past. He also asserted that the Draft policy sought to adopt an integrated approach from early learning education to research and privileged an interdisciplinary approach without breaking down learning into specialized silos.
During the discussions, many faculty members appreciated the features of the Draft policy and sought clarifications on a range of issues. The differentiation between research and teaching was discussed as was the language policy and the implications of the said policy for private institutions. An important focus of discussion was the implementation strategy and the need to focus on the needs of special education and differently abled learners. It was a 90 minutes event that was academically enriching and intellectually stimulating. Dr. Manasa Nagabhushanam, Director CESS, proposed the vote of thanks.
