National Policy on Education: An Overview

In India the national debate on education has been quite broad-based, comprehensive and all-embracing. The NEP 1986 (modified in 1922), therefore, provides meaningful perspectives and indicates what largely needs to be done–the objectives are clearly defined and the strategies adequately pinpointed. We now need three things: a clear grasp of various issues in education, downright avoidance of cumbersome treatises along philosophical lines, and a marked emphasis on implementation. National policy on Education : An Overview seeks to fulfil this need. It has seventeen fresh and perceptive articles by reputed experts, educationists and managers of education on various aspects of the policy. Subjects covered include: literacy, drop-outs and stagnation, elementary education, women’s education, education for scheduled castes & tribes, Navodaya Vidyalayas, vocational education, autonomous colleges, examination reforms, academic calendar, distance education, physical education and sports, textbooks integral education KVS, values for education, and management of education. The contributors suggest practical approaches and workable strategies to attain the avowed goals. Within the overall frame-work of the policy, they present critical analyses, wherein areas of strength and weaknesses are located, case-studies and micro-planning favoured, integral and holistic viewpoints commended.