Odisha to Implement New Education Policy 2020: National Workshop Begins

Bhubaneswar: A three-day national workshop on the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 began today at Lokseva Bhavan, focusing on its implementation in Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and State School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond were among the prominent attendees who shared their perspectives on the transformative policy.

Chief Minister Majhi announced that the state would implement the NEP from the next academic year, replacing the existing 10+2 education system with the 5+3+3+4 framework outlined in the policy. He stressed the significance of robust infrastructure and quality primary education in ensuring the policy’s success. The initiative includes the introduction of Kindergarten (KG) schools and Sishu Vatika institutions aimed at providing foundational literacy and numeracy in a stress-free environment.

The NEP emphasizes integrating technology into education, with digital tools becoming an essential part of the teaching process. Chief Minister Majhi stated that the policy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India driven by an empowered education system.

Union Education Minister Pradhan called for Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and historical legacy to be reflected in the state’s curriculum. He advocated involving local education experts to design a syllabus that celebrates the state’s unique identity while adhering to NEP’s principles.

State Education Minister Gond highlighted the NEP’s focus on multi-lingual education, including the mother tongue, which he believes will revolutionize Odisha’s education system by making it more inclusive and equitable.

The workshop serves as a platform for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate on strategies for implementing the NEP. Discussions will explore ways to improve infrastructure, leverage technology, and ensure holistic education for students across the state.