Government Degree College Khansahib celebrated National Education Day-2021

On 11th November 2021 the GDC Khansahib celebrated National Education Day with Prof. Ishfaq Ahmad Dar, assistant professor of education at the same institution, deliberating on the National Educational Policy-2020. He highlighted the fact that the New Education Policy aims at fulfilling the promises as enshrined in Goal 4 of UN Sustainable Development which seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030. This policy lays particular emphasis on the development of the creative potential of each individual. It is based on the principle that education must develop not only cognitive capacities but also social, ethical, and emotional capacities and dispositions.The policy envisions an education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes directly to transforming India,sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society, by providing high-quality education to all, and thereby making India a global knowledge superpower. Prof Ishfaq informed the audience – comprising faculty and students – that the extant 10+2 structure in school education will be modified with a new pedagogical and curricular restructuring of 5+3+3+4 covering ages 3-18.

Structure of School Education in the NEP-2020
Stage: Foundational Preparatory Middle Secondary
Age: 3-8 8-11 11-14 14-18
Classes: Pre-school plus 1-2 3-5 6-8 9-12

Early Childhood Care and Education is a novel feature of NEP 2020 where Anganwadi’s will have to play a crucial role. For this purpose, Anganwadi Centres will be strengthened with high-quality infrastructure, play equipment, and well-trained Anganwadi workers/teachers. Every Anganwadi will have a well-ventilated, well-designed, child-friendly and well-constructed building with an enriched learning environment.

Dwelling on the higher education as envisaged in the NEP-2020 Prof. Ishfaq highlighted the following basic points:

a) Establishment of at least one multidisciplinary Higher Education Institution in each district;
b) Internships for students in collaboration with the industry, NGOs etc;
c) Quality benchmarks for HEI’s and alleviation to a fully autonomous status;
d) Role of Career Counselling Cells including handling of students emotional adjustments;
e) Every HEI must maintain a network or liaison with government and private schools within its vicinity.
f) Vocational education. Only 5 per cent working age population in India go through some formal vocational education before their entry into the job market while the ratio stands at 52 per cent for USA, 75 per cent for Germany and 96 per cent for South Korea; &
g) Investment in research& innovation. Only 0.69 per cent of GDP in India is spent on research and innovations while it stands at 2.8 per cent in USA, 4.3 in Israel & 4.2 in South Korea. Research and teaching are essentially inseparable. The National Research Foundation would look into the different aspects of research and innovation.

Earlier in his special address Dr. Syed Tanvir Indrabi, Principal GDC Khansahib, highlighted the significance of celebrating the National Education Day. Dwelling on the educational philosophy of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, he said that a teacher must exhibit the virtues of truthfulness; compassion & sincerity and he/she must confront every challenge with courage and dedication. Paying glowing tributes to Maulala sb, Dr. Indrabi highlighted his contributions in making India a prosperous, inclusive and democratic republic.

The programme was moderated by Prof. Iqbal Shafi while Dr. Sajad Padder presented the vote of thanks.

(Report Compiled BY Dr Sajad Padder)