Wanted! A Learning Revolution

The draft national education policy has radical reforms on its agenda. But it will need clear-cut action to succeed.

- Kaushik Deka

What will happen if the draft New Education Policy 2019, or NEP, submitted by the nine-member K. Kasturirangan Committee to the Union ministry for human resource development on May 31, is implemented in full by 2035, as the policy envisions?

Let us imagine how Rohan, born 2032, might proceed in life. When he turns three, he will join the formal education structure under the 5+3+3+4 framework. For the first three years, he will receive pre-school education—in at least three languages—by trained teachers. In this time, he will learn the alphabet for each language, numbers, colours, shapes, how to draw, do puzzles, and be exposed to drama, puppetry, music and movement. There will be no textbooks, learning will be all play and experimental, in school premises with clean toilets, spacious rooms, IT-enabled gadgets, enough playthings and a cheerful environment. From Grades 1 to 5, he will have dedicated reading and mathematics hours because by fifth standard he will have to acquire fundamental literacy and numeracy. If Rohan has any ‘singular interest’ and/ or ‘talent’—it could be in mathematics, sports, painting or acting—his teachers will identify it and provide additional guidance and encouragement.