Nagaland educators worried over Draft NEP

Khulbushan Sharma, President of the National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA) addressing the 36th annual general body meeting of the ANPSA. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News
Kohima | October 23

Pointing out major loopholes in the draft National Education Policy (NEP), educators in Nagaland asserted that the draft NEP is a major cause of concern for the State. These concerns were addressed during a press conference at the 36th Annual General body meeting of the All Nagaland Private Schools Association (ANPSA) on October 23 at the NBCC Platinum Hall, Kohima.

With the present ruling government stressing on uniformity in the education system, Nini Sekhose, President, ANPSA expressed apprehension that the draft NEP does not recognize the diversity and specificities of each State in the country. 

"We have seen that English as a language has not been respected. We are very concerned about this. To put a vernacular language as the medium of instruction is not possible for a state like Nagaland. The policy is a cause of concern for Nagaland," stated Sekhose. 

In this regard, the ANPSA informed that it has submitted a representation to the Government requesting for the implementation of a two language policy for Nagaland:  English as the medium and an optional vernacular language.

"We are the ones going to really suffer if other languages like Sanskrit make it into the policy. The policy has already recommended Sanskrit to be taught in pre-primary schools. This is going to be a very big challenge for all of us," expressed Sekhose.

The challenges of implementing RTE and failure to provide funds to private schools were also addressed. "Many private schools are suffering on the implementation because the Government has not provided funds to implement those policies. The draft NEP will require a lot of funds for proper implementation but if those policies are introduced without any funds, our schools may face a lot of difficulty, “said Sekhose.

Further Sekhose stated that the contribution of minority schools have not been acknowledged at all, although, the contribution of minority schools such as Christian schools have been instrumental in taking India to where it is today. 

Present at the meeting were delegates from the National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA) who also expressed various concerns on the draft NEP. Khulbushan Sharma, President of the National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA) viewed that the policy will vitiate many structures of the education system in the country. 

The recommendation of setting up of School Management Committee (SMC) will create a major threat to schools, according to Sharma as it will empower unqualified entities to set regulations and laws for the schools. In this regard, NISA is currently mobilizing a postcard campaign addressed to the Prime Minister of India and HRD Minister. 

On the issue of the one language policy, Sharma said, "Parents and children should have the right to choose the language they want to learn or be taught."

While the draft NEP ensures students' safety, Sharma pointed out that it does not ensure teachers safety and holds the teachers responsible for any untoward incident. The over-interference on the autonomy of private schools in the draft NEP was also raised, where Sharma noted that the autonomy of the private schools should not be disturbed. Sharma called for the solidarity and unity of all private schools in this issue.

Any education policy must be framed in consultation with educators, and administrations in educational institutions, asserted Sharma and further remarked that the policy should incorporate a concrete workable plan of action. 
Delegates from NISA also cited the need for the introduction Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in education where students from lower income groups are entitled to an amount of Rs.3000. 

The press conference also raised issues on the education system in Nagaland. Members raised concern over the de-prioritization of school education in Nagaland.