State universities in a fix as T.N. continues to oppose National Education Policy 2020

The Hindu

4 days ago

Higher educational institutions in Tamil Nadu are still clueless about whether or not they need to adhere to the guidelines of National Education Policy 2020 even as the 2025-26 academic year is set to start soon, going by the views expressed by heads of higher educational institutions.
Central government institutions and deemed to be universities have apparently taken a lead in adopting NEP 2020 guidelines, leaving behind the State-funded institutions, and are believed in a better position to secure higher rating under National Institutional Ranking Framework. Adoption of NEP 2020 guidelines helps secure better NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) rating as well, say heads of higher educational institutions.
In their view, the opposition of Tamil Nadu to NEP 2020 is mainly on the counts of three-language policy (at the school level) and structural changes made to the higher educational programmes.
The reasoning put forth is that the NEP encompasses three-language policy, which mandates the learning of two Indian languages (not necessarily Hindi) along with English.
According to P.K. Ponnuswamy, former Vice-Chancellor of Madras and Madurai Kamaraj Universities, three-language policy is not a necessity for Tamil Nadu. 'English along with the local language will suffice. Yet, schools could be given the freedom to teach as many languages suiting necessity,' he said.
'While it is good to have a national policy on education, States, too, should be allowed to have their say, factoring in cultural variations and diverse history,' he said.
Nevertheless, experts also point out that learning multiple languages will promote multilingualism and expand students' academic and career opportunities.
'Students in private schools already follow the three-language policy, and, hence, government schools should also follow suit. The policy is a good initiative to promote multilingualism,' said E. Balagurusamy, former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University and former Member, Union Public Service Commission.
The NEP 2020 fostered creative and critical thinking of the students and promotes research capabilities in higher education. The emphasis on vocational training would help the youth develop social competence, self-esteem and self-confidence, he said.
Academics have been expressing concern about the future of education scenario in Tamil Nadu in the wake of the Central government insisting on adherence to NEP 2020, and withholding funds for improving the quality of school education.
'The reality is that the five pillars of NEP 2020: access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability, have not been realised as yet,' M. Chidambaram, former Director of National Institute of Technology, Tiruchi, said.
Quality consciousness was the need of the hour. The system hitherto had failed to infuse confidence into students from lower strata of society. The faculty should be skilled but they were given a raw deal with no increments, he claimed.
The NEP 2020, in the first phase, should bring about a level-playing field, he emphasised.