PANAJI
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 -- the first educational policy of the 21st century --has positioned Goa among the frontrunners in its implementation and a few other states to adopt the NEP early.
While the government has touted NEP as a monumental shift from the outdated National Policy on Education of 1986 and its modified version in 1992; the pressing question remains: Is the government prepared with the necessary infrastructure and human resources to support this transition?
The early implementation of the NEP in Goa has sparked different opinions among educationists, albeit with a unanimous call to focus on several critical areas right from creating and upgrading infrastructure, adequate and comprehensive training of human resources, and most importantly creating awareness among parents.
A senior educationist, who has served in various capacities across the Education Department, Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education and Higher Education, criticized the government for what he described as an abrupt and unplanned rollout of the NEP.
"The infrastructure is not ready nor the human resources. The implementation has been haphazard. It's merely a statement to show the Centre that Goa is implementing the NEP, but in practice, nothing substantial has changed," he said, requesting anonymity while speaking to The Goan.
He pointed out that several vacated educational structures could be utilized by upgrading existing infrastructure, but this has not been done. "Some balwadis and anganwadis under the Department of Women & Child are closed and could be put to use with better training for the helpers. Unfortunately, this is not happening," he added, criticizing the government further for alleged inter-departmental conflicts affecting the education sector.
The educationist, whose expert opinions are still sought by the government on related policies, also expressed concern about the inadequate facilities of several private pre-primary schools, which operate in small buildings or single rooms, impacting the foundational level of education.
On the other hand, former Education Director Anil Pawar welcomed the NEP, acknowledging the initial challenges of adopting a new system. "The NEP is a positive move by the Centre. It offers students the opportunity to learn according to their interests, unlike the previous policy… However, it takes time for everyone to adapt to any new policies," he noted as he reacted to debate among some parents and the teaching community.
In the same breath, Pawar agreed that major efforts are needed to improve infrastructure, human resources, and parental awareness. “More attention has to be given to infrastructure and human resources. Awareness among parents, who experienced a different learning approach, needs to be prioritized to understand the NEP," he suggested.
Regarding teacher training, the senior educationist criticized the short-term training programs, arguing that a new system like the NEP requires comprehensive training of at least six months to a year due to the drastic shift in teaching methods. "We are not taking the education system seriously. Many teachers may need to shift disciplines and it’s unrealistic to expect them to adapt in a short duration," he lamented.
Contrary, Pawar highlighted that Goa has competent teachers who just need proper training. “While there has been a stereotyped approach to teaching, change is necessary and so is training. The government is making efforts in the right direction. Gradually everything will fall into place. This is just the beginning,” he asserted.
Headmaster Vilas Satarkar opined that while the government is trying to address all the requirements, initial problems are expected given the new system. He also suggested granting financial assistance to aided schools wherever needed.
“The government is trying to meet all the necessary requirements. In terms of infrastructure, government schools are equipped although many face the issue of low student strength. Where required, improvements are being implemented through GSIDC. Aided schools in need of infrastructure have informed their management, which will submit these needs to the government,” he said while suggesting that the government should provide financial help to aided schools in need of such assistance.
Moreover, several schools that did not have the NSQF might have fresh recruitment or existing ones will be trained simultaneously. Satarkar, also a former member of various education committees, stated that unlike certain schools, where arts and culture subjects had separate teachers and practical sessions were held after 1 pm, several schools followed a strict academic curriculum and 1-1:30 pm timing. "It will take time to adjust to the new system," he added.
