Narendra Modi and the new education policy: retrospection, reform and reality

Abstract

ABSTRACTPrime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of education, articulated primarily through the proposed New Education Policy (NEP) and other social initiatives, is rooted in retrospection and aspires to transform the existing system of education. However, to translate this retrospection into reality and to discard the rhetoric remains a key to bringing in reform. Given the time lapse in bringing NEP in India, the article aims to examine the exclusivity and relevance of NEP under Narendra Modi. Specifically, this article endeavours to (a) evaluate the core of NEP, as a policy up-gradation or merely an idea linked to Modi’s governance acumen; (b) examine the inclusive character of the NEP and its link with Modi’s idea of inclusivity; and (c) examine and compare Modi’s idea of inclusion through different policy initiatives and schemes and the global vision of sustainability, i.e. Sustainable Development Goals. The NEP, along with other interrelated initiatives, is a timely and most appreciated feature of Modi’s overall development agenda. Though the attempts at the outset appear to be half-finished and require deeper articulation and proactive solutions, the inclusive character of NEP is in itself a step forward from previous policies. Moreover, the scheme is partially aligned with the globally accepted development agenda of post-2015. Given the inclusive and global nature of Modi’s education policy embedded in his governance expertise, the policy requires targeted execution to render reform into reality and avoid rhetoric.