National educational policies 1968, 1986 and 2020 of India: Critical analysis and review

Author: 
Dr. Kotra Balayogi

Education is a fundamental pillar of any nation's progress and development. In a diverse and populous country like India, crafting effective educational policies becomes an imperative task to ensure equitable access to quality education for all citizens. Over the years, India has witnessed the formulation and implementation of several National Education Policies (NEPs), each designed to address the evolving needs, challenges, and aspirations of the society. With India's hard-fought independence in 1947, the country embarked on a journey of rebuilding and rejuvenating its socio-economic and cultural landscape. Education emerged as a central tool in this process of nation building. Visionaries like Jawaharlal Nehru recognized that a well-educated citizenry was critical for the growth of a democratic, self-reliant, and progressive nation. Post-independence, various policy initiatives aimed to redefine education in India. The establishment of the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1953, for instance, marked a step towards regulating and coordinating higher education. However, it was the National Education Policy of 1968 that laid the foundation for a comprehensive framework for educational development. In the intricate tapestry of a nation's development, education emerges as a warp and weft, intertwining the aspirations of generations with the fabric of progress. National Education Policies (NEPs) stand as monumental signposts in this journey, guiding the course of education and shaping the intellectual landscape of a nation. NEP encapsulate the collective vision and aspirations of a society, providing a roadmap for educational growth and transformation. By outlining strategic goals, objectives, and actionable measures, ensure that the educational journey is purposeful and aligned with the nation's developmental goals and are meticulously crafted frameworks that encompass every facet of education, from early childhood learning to higher education and beyond. The present study addressing curriculum design, teacher training, infrastructure development, pedagogical approaches, and inclusion policies, in which NEPs create a holistic environment where 21st century education can flourish.

Paper No: 
5410