Following the approval of the National Education Policy (NEP) by the central government, the school education department initiated discussions on the policy with a view to form an action plan in the next few months. Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad held a review meeting with officials of the department on Thursday, July 30.

Gaikwad told Indian Express, “A presentation on the policy was presented. We discussed aspects of the policy in comparison to the present situation. We also discussed questions raised in the past. I have sought a report from the department officers regarding challenges in implementing the policy and inter-departmental tasks that will need to be looked at.”

Gaikwad added that the state has offered vocational education after Class VIII and had taken steps in the past to reduce the weight of school bags. She said, “Some aspects of the policy are already a part of the education system here. We will further work on other details.”

An official said, “If some sections concern law, they will need to be deliberated on by the legislative assembly. More clarity will be achieved with time, since this is a broad framework. Other meetings will also be held to take this ahead.”

Stakeholders pointed out some challenges that Maharashtra will now face. Prachi Sathe, former officer on special duty to school education department said it will be a challenge for schools to make arrangements for offering multiple mediums of instruction. She said, “There are about 68,000 state schools. They may not have resources to give parents the freedom to choose the medium of instruction for their child. They may end up imposing selected languages.”

Training anganwadi workers will be a hurdle, said Sathe adding that “So far, the role of anganwadi sevikas is to look after children, feed them, tell them stories, etc. Once the curriculum is formulated, they will need rigorous training. Their qualifications will also need to be considered.”

Source: The Indian Express

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