FICCI : Industry's Voice for Policy Change

It's been almost a year since millions of children across the country and the world set foot inside their classrooms. The UNICEF has warned that over a billion children could fall behind due to the schools closures.

A survey by Azim Premji University shows that majority of children have suffered a loss of learning ability especially when it comes to languages and maths.

Public authorities across central and state governments are facing a tough balancing act and nowhere has this been tougher than the states of Maharashtra and Kerala.

Both states have seen a sharp surge in cases but as things stand, cases are on the decline barring some pockets.

In Maharashtra, all schools except for classes 10 and 12 remain shut as things stand. Colleges and universities have reopened just this week.

In late January, Maharashtra allowed schools to reopen for classes 5 to 8 but after a spike in COVID cases they were immediately shut down.

To discuss how things stand currently on the ground, CNBC-TV18 spoke to Manit Jain, Co-Chair of ARISE, FICCI and Co-Founder of Heritage Group of Schools and A Shajahan IAS, Secy-General Education, Government of Kerala.

Manit Jain said, “Most schools and the classed that have opened are running at about 50 percent plus, there are also schools that are running at 90 percent. At this point of time particularly in Delhi we are not seeing fear as a huge factor. By and large we have seen trends towards getting kids back to school.”

“Learning losses in private schools in tier I and tier II cities should have been anywhere in between 10-30 percent, but when you look at the public schools, schools were devices were an issue, teachers were not really equipped, where there was dearth of resources in general the situation is pretty bad. The kids would have lost a good 6-7 months at least of learnings,” he added.

Education Secy of Kerala said, “By March 10 we were compelled to close down the schools because of this lot of cases reported in Kerala. During the summer vacation period we could connect with students and they were preparing for the plus 10 exams and we conducted the exams in May following the COVID protocol. About 14.5 lakh students attended the exams throughout the state and we successfully conducted that exams following all the health protocols.”

Money Life | Feb 02, 2021

Union Budget 2021: Did it meet the expectations of the Education Sector?

The Union Budget 2021, the first-ever paperless budget was announced by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday. While a lot of prominence was given to the revival of all the sectors, post COVID-19; the overall reaction from the education sector was lukewarm. The sector felt that the budget fell a bit short on capitalizing on the opportunity to build momentum for digitization in Indian education that could have had far-reaching benefits for the young population.

While there would be many debates happening all around the country in the upcoming days, here are some quick reactions on Union Budget 2021 from the prominent leaders of the education sector.

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost - HSNC University lauded and welcomed the futuristic measures announced by the Hon'ble Finance Minister and stated, "The modern outlook and approach in the budget outlook for the education sector is opening-up floodgates to reinvigorate human capital on a serious note. The outlays drawn is paving the path for the advance of India on the global map via extensive initiatives and measures like Rashtriya Shiksha Mission, extended support continues for primary education and for tribal areas as well as underprivileged additionally encompassing focus on higher education inclusive of skill development that falls in tune with NEP 2020."

However, Mr. Manit Jain, Chairman, FICCI ARISE felt that the budget did not make important announcements as expected and said, "In order to fulfil the objectives established by the National Education Policy, spends in the education sector need to go up substantially. Given the economic crisis that we are in, due to COVID-19 and the several competing social sectors that demand great attention, it is high time that the State and Central governments invite private capital to invest in education. This would mean higher investments through the private sector and FDI which could then be regulated by a government body. We have been wishing for opening up and formalising the sector and ensuring long term responsible and patient capital, giving the much- needed confidence to potential investors to invest in the sector and expect legitimate ROI as spoken about several times in the past."

Speaking on the same lines, Vishnu Karthik, CEO Xperiential Learning Systems and Director, The Heritage School said, "Education sector has been seriously hit post-Covid-19 both in terms of financial sustainability and also in terms of learning outcomes. This budget hasn't had anything specific to expand budgetary spend to offset the impact of COVID-19. But it is not surprising as there is not much fiscal

cushion this year for the Government. We hoped to see more clarity on setting up institutions to strengthen assessments on critical skills enumerated by the NEP and hope that the MHRD provides clarity on this sooner."

Commenting on the National Apprenticeship Scheme of 3000 crores, Mr. Sunil Dahiya, Executive Vice President, Wadhwani Opportunity at Wadhwani Foundation, said, "The proposed amendment of the Apprenticeship Act in the budget has the potential to reboot and revitalize our education and training systems to further enhance apprenticeship opportunities for our youth. An apprenticeship could be the best model to skill India's blue-collar workforce as it will transform the student into a fully-trained industry executive with real-time exposure to shop-floor dynamics. It will not just enhance employability and reduce joblessness, but from an employer perspective, it will lead to improved skills, productivity and professionalism."

Satisfied with the announcements, Mr. Aditya Malik, CEO & MD, Talentedge said, "The Union Budget 2021-22 has proposed some forward-looking measures for the education sector in the country. The proposal to set up 100 new Sainik schools in partnership with NGOs, the private sector and the states will not only expand the school base in this area but will also bring in synergies from the NGO and private sector."

Mr. Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions also seconds the Union Budget and said, "The budget paves the way for a phased implementation of the National Education Policy with the first step of bringing 15,000 schools across India under the policy's ambit. This will help minimize any widespread disruption in the pedagogical processes or curriculum, as these schools will serve as models for the other schools to follow. The other schools will draw their lessons from these model schools for a smoother implementation of NEP in the future."

Charu Wahi, Principal Nirmal Bhartia School opined, "The prolonged closure of educational institutions for almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic has put immense duress with schools feeling the heat of financial stress now.

The qualitative strengthening of more than 15,000 schools under the New Education Policy (NEP) shall assist in achieving the ideals of the policy. Besides, the setting up of 100 Sainik schools is a good step that will further create a ripple effect in terms of impact. The 750 Eklavya Model Schools for impoverished communities is a great move too, and we hope that private schools are also engaged in the setting up of these schools."

While most educators are happy with the announcements for FY 2021-22, tech expectations are yet to be met for the striving education sector.

BW Education | Feb 02, 2021

Education sector's reaction on Union Budget 2021-22

Education World | Feb 02, 2021

Union Budget 2021-22: Education experts reaction

Telugu Stop | Feb 02, 2021

Union Budget 2021: Did it meet the expectations of the education sector?

The Union Budget 2021, the first-ever paperless budget was announced by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday. While a lot of prominence was given to the revival of all the sectors, post COVID-19; the overall reaction from the education sector was lukewarm.

The sector felt that the budget fell a bit short on capitalizing on the opportunity to build momentum for digitization in Indian education that could have had far-reaching benefits for the young population.

While there would be many debates happening all around the country in the upcoming days, here are some quick reactions on Union Budget 2021 from the prominent leaders of the education sector.

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost – HSNC University lauded and welcomed the futuristic measures announced by the Hon’ble Finance Minister and stated, “The modern outlook and approach in the budget outlook for the education sector is opening-up floodgates to reinvigorate human capital on a serious note. The outlays drawn is paving the path for the advance of India on the global map via extensive initiatives and measures like Rashtriya Shiksha Mission, extended support continues for primary education and for tribal areas as well as underprivileged additionally encompassing focus on higher education inclusive of skill development that falls in tune with NEP 2020.”

However, Mr. Manit Jain, Chairman, FICCI ARISE felt that the budget did not make important announcements as expected and said, “In order to fulfil the objectives established by the National Education Policy, spends in the education sector need to go up substantially. Given the economic crisis that we are in, due to COVID-19 and the several competing social sectors that demand great attention, it is high time that the State and Central governments invite private capital to invest in education.

This would mean higher investments through the private sector and FDI which could then be regulated by a government body. We have been wishing for opening up and formalising the sector and ensuring long term responsible and patient capital, giving the much- needed confidence to potential investors to invest in the sector and expect legitimate ROI as spoken about several times in the past.”

Speaking on the same lines, Vishnu Karthik, CEO Xperiential Learning Systems and Director, The Heritage School said, “Education sector has been seriously hit post-Covid-19 both in terms of financial sustainability and also in terms of learning outcomes. This budget hasn’t had anything specific to expand budgetary spend to offset the impact of COVID-19.

But it is not surprising as there is not much fiscal cushion this year for the Government. We hoped to see more clarity on setting up institutions to strengthen assessments on critical skills enumerated by the NEP and hope that the MHRD provides clarity on this sooner.”

Commenting on the National Apprenticeship Scheme of 3000 crores, Mr. Sunil Dahiya, Executive Vice President, Wadhwani Opportunity at Wadhwani Foundation, said, “The proposed amendment of the Apprenticeship Act in the budget has the potential to reboot and revitalize our education and training systems to further enhance apprenticeship opportunities for our youth. An apprenticeship could be the best model to skill India’s blue-collar workforce as it will transform the student into a fully-trained industry executive with real-time exposure to shop-floor dynamics. It will not just enhance employability and reduce joblessness, but from an employer perspective, it will lead to improved skills, productivity and professionalism.”

Satisfied with the announcements, Mr. Aditya Malik, CEO & MD, Talentedge said, “The Union Budget 2021-22 has proposed some forward-looking measures for the education sector in the country. The proposal to set up 100 new Sainik schools in partnership with NGOs, the private sector and the states will not only expand the school base in this area but will also bring in synergies from the NGO and private sector.”

Mr. Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions also seconds the Union Budget and said, “The budget paves the way for a phased implementation of the National Education Policy with the first step of bringing 15,000 schools across India under the policy’s ambit. This will help minimize any widespread disruption in the pedagogical processes or curriculum, as these schools will serve as models for the other schools to follow. The other schools will draw their lessons from these model schools for a smoother implementation of NEP in the future.”

Charu Wahi, Principal Nirmal Bhartia School opined, “The prolonged closure of educational institutions for almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic has put immense duress with schools feeling the heat of financial stress now. The qualitative strengthening of more than 15,000 schools under the New Education Policy (NEP) shall assist in achieving the ideals of the policy. Besides, the setting up of 100 Sainik schools is a good step that will further create a ripple effect in terms of impact. The 750 Eklavya Model Schools for impoverished communities is a great move too, and we hope that private schools are also engaged in the setting up of these schools.”

While most educators are happy with the announcements for FY 2021-22, tech expectations are yet to be met for the striving education sector

IND News | Feb 02, 2021

Union Budget 2021: Did it meet the expectations of the Education Sector?

The Union Budget 2021, the first-ever paperless budget was announced by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday. While a lot of prominence was given to the revival of all the sectors, post COVID-19; the overall reaction from the education sector was lukewarm. The sector felt that the budget fell a bit short on capitalizing on the opportunity to build momentum for digitization in Indian education that could have had far-reaching benefits for the young population.

While there would be many debates happening all around the country in the upcoming days, here are some quick reactions on Union Budget 2021 from the prominent leaders of the education sector.

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost – HSNC University lauded and welcomed the futuristic measures announced by the Hon’ble Finance Minister and stated, “The modern outlook and approach in the budget outlook for the education sector is opening-up floodgates to reinvigorate human capital on a serious note. The outlays drawn is paving the path for the advance of India on the global map via extensive initiatives and measures like Rashtriya Shiksha Mission, extended support continues for primary education and for tribal areas as well as underprivileged additionally encompassing focus on higher education inclusive of skill development that falls in tune with NEP 2020.”

However, Mr. Manit Jain, Chairman, FICCI ARISE felt that the budget did not make important announcements as expected and said, “In order to fulfil the objectives established by the National Education Policy, spends in the education sector need to go up substantially. Given the economic crisis that we are in, due to COVID-19 and the several competing social sectors that demand great attention, it is high time that the State and Central governments invite private capital to invest in education. This would mean higher investments through the private sector and FDI which could then be regulated by a government body. We have been wishing for opening up and formalising the sector and ensuring long term responsible and patient capital, giving the much- needed confidence to potential investors to invest in the sector and expect legitimate ROI as spoken about several times in the past.”

Speaking on the same lines, Vishnu Karthik, CEO Xperiential Learning Systems and Director, The Heritage School said, “Education sector has been seriously hit post-Covid-19 both in terms of financial sustainability and also in terms of learning outcomes. This budget hasn’t had anything specific to expand budgetary spend to offset the impact of COVID-19. But it is not surprising as there is not much fiscal cushion this year for the Government. We hoped to see more clarity on setting up institutions to strengthen assessments on critical skills enumerated by the NEP and hope that the MHRD provides clarity on this sooner.”

Commenting on the National Apprenticeship Scheme of 3000 crores, Mr. Sunil Dahiya, Executive Vice President, Wadhwani Opportunity at Wadhwani Foundation, said, “The proposed amendment of the Apprenticeship Act in the budget has the potential to reboot and revitalize our education and training systems to further enhance apprenticeship opportunities for our youth. An apprenticeship could be the best model to skill India’s blue-collar workforce as it will transform the student into a fully-trained industry executive with real-time exposure to shop-floor dynamics. It will not just enhance employability and reduce joblessness, but from an employer perspective, it will lead to improved skills, productivity and professionalism.”

Satisfied with the announcements, Mr. Aditya Malik, CEO & MD, Talentedge said, “The Union Budget 2021-22 has proposed some forward-looking measures for the education sector in the country. The proposal to set up 100 new Sainik schools in partnership with NGOs, the private sector and the states will not only expand the school base in this area but will also bring in synergies from the NGO and private sector.”

Mr. Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions also seconds the Union Budget and said, “The budget paves the way for a phased implementation of the National Education Policy with the first step of bringing 15,000 schools across India under the policy’s ambit. This will help minimize any widespread disruption in the pedagogical processes or curriculum, as these schools will serve as models for the other schools to follow. The other schools will draw their lessons from these model schools for a smoother implementation of NEP in the future.”

Charu Wahi, Principal Nirmal Bhartia School opined, “The prolonged closure of educational institutions for almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic has put immense duress with schools feeling the heat of financial stress now. The qualitative strengthening of more than 15,000 schools under the New Education Policy (NEP) shall assist in achieving the ideals of the policy. Besides, the setting up of 100 Sainik schools is a good step that will further create a ripple effect in terms of impact. The 750 Eklavya Model Schools for impoverished communities is a great move too, and we hope that private schools are also engaged in the setting up of these schools.”

While most educators are happy with the announcements for FY 2021-22, tech expectations are yet to be met for the striving education sector.

India Education Diary | Jan 24, 2021

Policy makers and experts discussed 'Quality education for a post pandemic world' during the two days conference

The First Director-General of School Education of Uttar Pradesh Vijay Kiran Anand said that the government will always have a role to play and public education will always be one of the mainstays to ensure equality of opportunity and democratic principles, but at the same time private schools should be present in the system to improve educational outcomes. He was delivering closing remarks during the 11th School Choice National Conference (SCNC) on Education for new realities: Quality education for a post pandemic world. SCNC is a flagship annual conference of the leading think tank Centre for Civil Society.

Addressing the audience on the final day of the two days conference Vijay Kiran Anand said that there are a lot of areas of collaboration between the government and private schools like technology, classroom practices and community engagement. Top level national and international academics, policy makers, eminent speakers, education experts and advisors as well as a very good representation of delegates comprising development workers, corporates, academicians and school leaders, government officials, civil society, social activists, youth and the media also participated in the conference.

Speaking at the Keynote Address of the Conference, Professor Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Professor at University College London and President of City Montessori School, Lucknow emphasised on the importance of governance of school education in determining educational outcomes. Prof Gandhi Kingdon recommended that successful implementation of provisions of the NEP will require government will, consistent effort and tackling teacher resistance.

The first session on Envisaging regulations for new realities brought together a powerful panel comprising Anirudh Khaitan, Vice Chairman of Khaitan Public School and Treasurer at FICCI ARISE, Dr E Prasad Rao, Quality Advisor at NISA and Founder of Paramita Schools and Dr. Parth J Shah, President, Centre for Civil Society. The session explored the need to re-engineer our regulatory processes in a manner that not only ensures a safe learning environment but also improves learning outcomes by addressing the role of regulatory agencies in a post-COVID world.

The definition of a school has undergone significant changes this year. The second session on Moving towards 21st century schooling reflected on the need for re-aligning the education system to focus on funding students, and not schools. The panel, consisting of Vidhi Jain, Co-founder of Shikshantar, Neal Mc Cluskey, Director at Center for Educational Freedom, CATO Institute and Vishnu Karthik, CEO, Xperiential Learning Systems (The Heritage Schools) shared their ideas for 21st century schooling that puts the needs of children above all.

The third session on Ensuring access and equity in education focused on how to budget private schools can be supported to to access bridge-financing to tide over disasters such as the current pandemic. The session saw Manish Sabharwal , Chairman of Team Lease Services Ltd, Ashok Thakur , Founder of Muni International School, Ekta Sodha , Vice President of Quality Control, NISA and Tanaya Kilara , Head, Education Services at Varthana as panellists. All speakers shared their experiences adapting their schools and practises to the changing realities towards addressing the quality gap in budget private schools.

The Conference sessions focused on addressing the question of how governments can build an effective institutional framework towards the goal of quality education for all, in a post-COVID world.

India Education Diary | Jan 18, 2021

The World Education Conference 2021 Commemortaes with Manish Sisodia, Dr. Binod Chaudhary and Mr Dilip Chenoy

The year 2020 has been a historical year for quite an unforgettable pandemic that has lead to a monumental change in the existing process and composition of orders in every other system and the education system is no exception to the effecting change brought forward by the global pandemic.

And to bring the inclusive and positive change to our education system, The Policy Times collaboration with, Shiv Nadar University, an institution for eminence in the education field organized World Education Conference 2021. The three-day event is being organized from 15-17th January 2021 digitally. The main agenda of the event is to explore a workable roadmap for all-inclusive sustainable and productive education worldwide. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Guest of the event Shri. Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister & Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of Delhi NCT , and Guest of Honour Mr. Mohibul H. Chowdhoury, Hon’ble Deputy Minister ,Ministry of Education ,Government of Bangladesh.

The first day of The World Education Conference was divided in three sessions and each of them held quite insightful discussions on issues prevalent in our education system and if dissected and discussed and taken under proper re-shaping, could bring quite a monumental change in our education system.

The Chief Guest of the first plenary session was Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman-CG Corp Global, Nepalese Billionaire, and Businessman & Philanthropist. The deliberations happened around “National Education Policy 2020 – Future of Education & Implementation Roadmap”. This session brings light to the New Education Policy 2020 that was approved by central authority and is expected to implement this year. The NEP 2020 has envisioned a new education system by reforming quite a few key areas and Successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP2020) demands a long-term vision, availability of expertise on a sustained basis, and concerted action from all concerned encompassing National, State, institutional, and individual levels to have a proper comprehension of the building basis and structure of NEP 2020 and the implementation procedure and devising a workable roadmap for future implementation of NEP 2020.

Mr. Chaudhary one of the most inspiring businessmen and philanthropic spoke about education being the fundamental right of the citizens that helps people to judiciously adapt to other key aspects of life. He strongly believes “Education is an important fundamental aspect of human life, considered as one of the most valuable gifts bestowed upon humanity. He further says, ‘I believe that each person continuously learns and grows throughout their lives and this ability to capture the right information and adopting it becomes more heightened with proper education. It is the very weapon that becomes the light of hope even in the grimmest of the situations regardless of personal or professional life”.

He emphasised his mantra behind his tireless work is ‘business with purpose’ to create a difference in the lives of global community through quality education .He rightly set a glowing example to his brethren in the business community to their righteous purpose and responsibility to the world at large.

Mr. Chaudhury rightly said “India and Nepal has one of the largest youth compositions in the world which makes it even more paramount to effectively and meticulously evolve the education framework to part articulate knowledge.” This remarkably inspirational man shed an unprecedented ray of hope for the young generation of Nepal along with global community of young people. His organization CG Education, the educational vertical of CG Corp Global is also playing “a pivotal role in reshaping the education scenario in Nepal, India, and other countries in Asia & overseas to provide quality education. Their philanthropic work categorically focuses on education to empower the young talent to create a world of educated, independent, liberal, and rational young professionals.”

His globally renowned autobiography ‘Making It Big’ an insightful and inspirational journey into his life was showcased at the session.

Dr. MK Shridhar, Member, NEP Draft Committee, a pillar to building NEP 2020 started the session with his key note speech key notes speech for the session. He highlighted unique views essence of NEP 2020 delightfully as according to him the clear and concise purpose of NEP 2020 was to democratise education.

Mr. Anees Kutty, Founder of Evergreen Foundation & Anees Defence Career Institute (ADCI), Pune, Dr Chetan Singai, Chief Consultant, Technical Secretariat, NEP-2020, & Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences and Deputy Director, Ramaiah Public Policy Center, Bengaluru, KA, India were present as honourable speaker for the session and all of them lead a delightful discussion that hopefully could see a successful implementation of NEP 2020.

The guests of this session were experienced representatives from academia and industry. Mr Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce &Industry (FICCI), emphasized on quality education that can signal the need for the diverse industry and better industry exposure at every educational level contributes to industry and academia correlation. . FICCI is also bringing lots of new initiatives to reach to educational institutes and bring industry and academia collaboration by practical approach.

Mr. S.Y. Sidiqqui, Executive Advisor, Maruti Suzuki India Limited believes the better solution to harmonious accord of industry academia is the education should adapt the mandate to build the character of an industrialist. Prof (Dr.) Mohammed Farashuddin, Founder Vice Chancellor and Chief Adviser Professor, East West University, Bangladesh has suggested towards curriculum update to that of industry need and industry experience while pursuing academia and academic institution to incubate entrepreneurship.

The discussion brought forward what kind of contribution could come from both academia and industry and how we could build a successful collaboration between the two and hopefully this leads to people from both field to see the path to collaboration in better light that could be beneficial to both industry and academia.

Greater Kashmir | Sep 12, 2020

4-day prog on remote schooling concludes

FICCI ARISE (Alliance for Re-imagining School Education), in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha and UNICEF organized a four-day masterclasses series on “Remote Schooling” for teachers of J&K government schools, a statement said.

It said the resource persons were a team of experts from “I Am A Teacher (IAAT)” who delivered specialized masterclasses through online medium to over 250 teachers, in a series of interactive sessions on September 2, 4, 7 and 9.

The statement said the masterclasses focused on building parental involvement and student wellbeing, creating lesson plans for remote learning, managing student engagement online and designing online assessments.

The statement said at the valedictory session, Project Director, Samagra Shiksha J&K, Arun Manhas said that COVID19 has thrown an unprecedented challenge before the teaching community, but the teachers have taken up this challenge bravely and ensured that the children were learning despite the odds.

Irfan Guju, Chairman, FICCI, J&K State Council and Managing Director, IA Multi Venture Pvt Ltd also attended the programme .

“The pandemic has completely changed the landscape of education globally. We are hopeful these masterclasses will act as a catalyst between government and private efforts, which is also the genesis of FICCI as an industry body,” he said. The participating teachers said they were delighted to be a part of the initiative and would like to see more such programmes in the future.

Rising Kashmir | Sep 11, 2020

FICCI organises four-day master classes series on 'remote schooling' for teachers

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Alliance for Re-Imagining School Education (ARISE) in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha J&K, Department of School Education and UNICEF, organized a four-day master classes series on ‘Remote Schooling’ for teachers of Government schools of Jammu and Kashmir.

The resource persons were a team of experts from ‘I Am A Teacher (IAAT)’ who delivered these specialized Master classes through online medium to over 250 teachers in a series of highly immersive and interactive sessions on 2nd, 4th, 7th and 9th September.

During the 4-day training program, focus was laid on practicing Professionalism by building parental Involvement and student wellbeing, proper Planning by creating lesson plans for remote learning, Delivering by Managing student engagement online and Assessing by Designing online assessments.

At the Valedictory Session, Project Director - Samagra Shiksha J&K, Dr. Arun Manhas (KAS) said that “COVID-19 has thrown an unprecedented challenge before the teaching community, but the teachers have taken up this challenge bravely and ensuring that the children are learning despite the odds. Hence, we at the Department of School Education were glad that such capacity building programmes were organized by FICCI ARISE to build the capacities of teachers and to motivate them as well”.

Chairman-FICCI J&K State Council and Managing Director, IA Multi Venture Pvt. Ltd Irfan Guju on the occasion said that the current pandemic has completely changed the landscape of education globally and hoped that these Master classes have been able to live up to the vision of acting as a catalyst between Government and private efforts, which is also the genesis of FICCI as an industry body. “This is perhaps the challenge of our lifetime. Let’s come together to ensure that ‘learning doesn’t stop’.”

On the occasion the participating teachers said that they were delighted to be a part of such an initiative of Samagra Shiksha and would like to see more of such programmes in the future.

An official spokesperson said FICCI Alliance for Re-Imagining School Education (ARISE) is a collegiums of stakeholders who represent different facets of School Education. Members include several high quality and reputed independent schools from across the country, eminent educators, foundations, civil society representatives, think tanks and technical experts. Fundamental vision of FICCI ARISE is to become a catalyst in government and private efforts for raising the quality of learning outcomes across schools and to ensure that no child is left behind.

The Hindu | Aug 07, 2020

Give online education more teeth: FICCI

A paper by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has called for sweeping changes in online education. For an effective online education, the government to invest more, it said.

The paper has given short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to expand the country’s digital education space.

It has advised the government to invest in infrastructure, creation of online content in different languages and encourage publishing companies to develop digital content in regional languages. Some of the suggestions echo the points made in the recently released National Education Policy.

With an estimated 560 million internet users in the country, India is the second largest online market in the world, the paper states. By 2023, there will be a 40% increase in internet users , FICCI estimates.

Use TV, radio

To tackle the emergency, the government should invest in digital, radio and DTH channels to reach out to children in rural and remote areas. It should provide laptops/smartphones to children and offer interest-free loans to enable students access digital content. The teachers must be trained to provide e-lessons and digital contents and e-books. Testing tools and technology platforms for schools and colleges should be exempted from GST.

Reputed Indian universities should be encouraged to create joint online programmes with foreign universities, the paper has suggested.

The medium-term plan would be to expand the internet connectivity and encourage blended learning methods where students can use digital resources and online courses in schools and colleges. It has suggested that the top 200 universities be given the autonomy to develop online content in regional languages.

The long-term plan includes providing digital portfolios for students from class 6 to 12 and blended home schooling where children can work from home. Students should be given flexibility in choosing their credits. Engineering courses that do not require laboratory work should be allowed to go online.

Training teachers

Among the suggestions is to build capacity of the teachers to conduct online classes and assessments. The suggestions resonate well with the views teachers have been expressing.

Teachers have been expressing concerns about going digital ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Now that the colleges have reopened the teachers are feeling the lack of governmental support.

The principal of a government arts college said, “Teachers must be encouraged to conduct online classes. Most of them use only data packs and they cannot afford to spend much. Besides where is the incentive for them? In private colleges the salary is low. How will they even take classes,” he asked.

Another principal wanted to know a system to monitor the teachers. “In college I can physically walk around the campus and check for myself. We need a fool-proof mechanism to ensure that the classes are being conducted.”

Doordarshan | Aug 07, 2020

Give online education more teeth: FICCI

A paper by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has called for sweeping changes in online education. For an effective online education, the government to invest more, it said.

The paper has given short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to expand the country’s digital education space.

It has advised the government to invest in infrastructure, creation of online content in different languages and encourage publishing companies to develop digital content in regional languages. Some of the suggestions echo the points made in the recently released National Education Policy.

With an estimated 560 million internet users in the country, India is the second largest online market in the world, the paper states. By 2023, there will be a 40% increase in internet users , FICCI estimates.

Use TV, radio

To tackle the emergency, the government should invest in digital, radio and DTH channels to reach out to children in rural and remote areas. It should provide laptops/smartphones to children and offer interest-free loans to enable students access digital content. The teachers must be trained to provide e-lessons and digital contents and e-books. Testing tools and technology platforms for schools and colleges should be exempted from GST.

Reputed Indian universities should be encouraged to create joint online programmes with foreign universities, the paper has suggested.

The medium-term plan would be to expand the internet connectivity and encourage blended learning methods where students can use digital resources and online courses in schools and colleges. It has suggested that the top 200 universities be given the autonomy to develop online content in regional languages.

The long-term plan includes providing digital portfolios for students from class 6 to 12 and blended home schooling where children can work from home. Students should be given flexibility in choosing their credits. Engineering courses that do not require laboratory work should be allowed to go online.

Training teachers

Among the suggestions is to build capacity of the teachers to conduct online classes and assessments. The suggestions resonate well with the views teachers have been expressing.

Teachers have been expressing concerns about going digital ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Now that the colleges have reopened the teachers are feeling the lack of governmental support.

The principal of a government arts college said, “Teachers must be encouraged to conduct online classes. Most of them use only data packs and they cannot afford to spend much. Besides where is the incentive for them? In private colleges the salary is low. How will they even take classes,” he asked.

Another principal wanted to know a system to monitor the teachers. “In college I can physically walk around the campus and check for myself. We need a fool-proof mechanism to ensure that the classes are being conducted.”

The World News | Aug 07, 2020

Give online education more teeth: FICCI

A paper by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has called for sweeping changes in online education. For an effective online education, the government to invest more, it said.

The paper has given short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to expand the country’s digital education space.

It has advised the government to invest in infrastructure, creation of online content in different languages and encourage publishing companies to develop digital content in regional languages. Some of the suggestions echo the points made in the recently released National Education Policy.

With an estimated 560 million internet users in the country, India is the second largest online market in the world, the paper states. By 2023, there will be a 40% increase in internet users , FICCI estimates.

Use TV, radio

To tackle the emergency, the government should invest in digital, radio and DTH channels to reach out to children in rural and remote areas. It should provide laptops/smartphones to children and offer interest-free loans to enable students access digital content. The teachers must be trained to provide e-lessons and digital contents and e-books. Testing tools and technology platforms for schools and colleges should be exempted from GST.

Reputed Indian universities should be encouraged to create joint online programmes with foreign universities, the paper has suggested.

The medium-term plan would be to expand the internet connectivity and encourage blended learning methods where students can use digital resources and online courses in schools and colleges. It has suggested that the top 200 universities be given the autonomy to develop online content in regional languages.

The long-term plan includes providing digital portfolios for students from class 6 to 12 and blended home schooling where children can work from home. Students should be given flexibility in choosing their credits. Engineering courses that do not require laboratory work should be allowed to go online.

Training teachers

Among the suggestions is to build capacity of the teachers to conduct online classes and assessments. The suggestions resonate well with the views teachers have been expressing.

Teachers have been expressing concerns about going digital ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Now that the colleges have reopened the teachers are feeling the lack of governmental support.

The principal of a government arts college said, “Teachers must be encouraged to conduct online classes. Most of them use only data packs and they cannot afford to spend much. Besides where is the incentive for them? In private colleges the salary is low. How will they even take classes,” he asked.

Another principal wanted to know a system to monitor the teachers. “In college I can physically walk around the campus and check for myself. We need a fool-proof mechanism to ensure that the classes are being conducted.”

Indibuzz Online.com | Aug 07, 2020

Give online Education more teeth: FICCI

A paper by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has called for sweeping changes in online education. For an effective online education, the government to invest more, it said.

The paper has given short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to expand the country’s digital education space.

It has advised the government to invest in infrastructure, creation of online content in different languages and encourage publishing companies to develop digital content in regional languages. Some of the suggestions echo the points made in the recently released National Education Policy.

With an estimated 560 million internet users in the country, India is the second largest online market in the world, the paper states. By 2023, there will be a 40% increase in internet users , FICCI estimates.

Use TV, radio

To tackle the emergency, the government should invest in digital, radio and DTH channels to reach out to children in rural and remote areas. It should provide laptops/smartphones to children and offer interest-free loans to enable students access digital content. The teachers must be trained to provide e-lessons and digital contents and e-books. Testing tools and technology platforms for schools and colleges should be exempted from GST.

Reputed Indian universities should be encouraged to create joint online programmes with foreign universities, the paper has suggested.

The medium-term plan would be to expand the internet connectivity and encourage blended learning methods where students can use digital resources and online courses in schools and colleges. It has suggested that the top 200 universities be given the autonomy to develop online content in regional languages.

The long-term plan includes providing digital portfolios for students from class 6 to 12 and blended home schooling where children can work from home. Students should be given flexibility in choosing their credits. Engineering courses that do not require laboratory work should be allowed to go online.

Training teachers

Among the suggestions is to build capacity of the teachers to conduct online classes and assessments. The suggestions resonate well with the views teachers have been expressing.

Teachers have been expressing concerns about going digital ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Now that the colleges have reopened the teachers are feeling the lack of governmental support.

The principal of a government arts college said, “Teachers must be encouraged to conduct online classes. Most of them use only data packs and they cannot afford to spend much. Besides where is the incentive for them? In private colleges the salary is low. How will they even take classes,” he asked.

Another principal wanted to know a system to monitor the teachers. “In college I can physically walk around the campus and check for myself. We need a fool-proof mechanism to ensure that the classes are being conducted.”

Wrapup | Aug 07, 2020

Give online education more teeth: FICCI

A paper by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has referred to as for sweeping modifications in online education. For an efficient online education, the federal government to take a position more, it mentioned.

The paper has given short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to broaden the nation’s digital education house.

It has suggested the federal government to spend money on infrastructure, creation of online content material in numerous languages and encourage publishing corporations to develop digital content material in regional languages. Some of the recommendations echo the factors made within the just lately launched National Education Policy.

With an estimated 560 million web customers within the nation, India is the second largest online market on this planet, the paper states. By 2023, there shall be a 40% improve in web customers , FICCI estimates.

Use TV, radio

To sort out the emergency, the federal government ought to spend money on digital, radio and DTH channels to succeed in out to kids in rural and distant areas. It ought to present laptops/smartphones to kids and provide interest-free loans to allow college students entry digital content material. The academics have to be educated to offer e-lessons and digital contents and e-books. Testing instruments and know-how platforms for colleges and faculties ought to be exempted from GST.

Reputed Indian universities ought to be inspired to create joint online programmes with international universities, the paper has advised.

The medium-term plan can be to broaden the web connectivity and encourage blended studying strategies the place college students can use digital sources and online programs in colleges and faculties. It has advised that the highest 200 universities be given the autonomy to develop online content material in regional languages.

The long-term plan contains offering digital portfolios for college kids from class 6 to 12 and blended residence education the place kids can work at home. Students ought to be given flexibility in selecting their credit. Engineering programs that don’t require laboratory work ought to be allowed to go online.

Training academics

Among the recommendations is to construct capability of the academics to conduct online lessons and assessments. The recommendations resonate effectively with the views academics have been expressing.

Teachers have been expressing considerations about going digital ever because the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Now that the universities have reopened the academics are feeling the dearth of governmental help.

The principal of a authorities arts school mentioned, “Teachers must be encouraged to conduct online classes. Most of them use only data packs and they cannot afford to spend much. Besides where is the incentive for them? In private colleges the salary is low. How will they even take classes,” he requested.

Another principal wished to know a system to observe the academics. “In college I can physically walk around the campus and check for myself. We need a fool-proof mechanism to ensure that the classes are being conducted.”

Manufacturing Today | Aug 04, 2020

Nuvoco wins the FICCI CSR Award 2018-19 under Education Category

Nuvoco Vistas has won the FICCI CSR Award 2018-19 in the Education category for their project ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ at the 18th edition of FICCI CSR Awards. The award ceremony was held virtually on 27th July, 2020 in the wake of COVID 19, where Anurag Thakur, Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs graced the ceremony with his presence and facilitated the award to Joydeep Chatterjee, Chief of CSR & Corporate Affairs, Nuvoco for their project ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ near Jojobera Cement Plant, Jharkhand.

Nuvoco Vistas Corp have been long committed to sustainable growth and development, this is an intrinsic part of the company’s vision. Nuvoco has been able to give back to the society by making a difference in the lives of over 1,98,000 people across 103 villages through the company's five CSR pillars. Nuvoco’s ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ was introduced to empower the tribal community and improve the way of living. With a population of more than 10.2 crores, India has the single largest tribal population in the world. This is 8.6% of the total population of the country, lack of education in tribal areas is a glaring issue. Education is the primary element towards development of any country. Education will help them in meeting new challenges of life and will improve the immediate living condition. The tribal community needs the weapon of education to understand their rights and participate in the programme and policies made for their upliftment.

Nuvoco’s ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ project has been implemented in the year 2014 under their CSR pillar ‘Sakshar Bharat’ in order to provide formal education, create education awareness and contribute to the tribal population’s development in Sunderhattu and Sarenbera villages near Nuvoco’s Jojobera Cement Plant in Jharkhand. Under this initiative Nuvoco started Birsa Prathmik Vidyalaya to empower the tribal population by giving them access to education and enrolling them into mainstream education. Birsa Prathmik Vidyalaya currently educates 108 students from Nursery to class III and has shaped lives of more than 500 tribal children. This has also resulted in improvement of their livelihoods, as children too were involved in rag-picking and other hazardous activities. This initiative is a success as Nuvoco has observed zero dropouts since the inception of Birsa Prathmik Vidyalaya.

As a socially responsible corporate Nuvoco plans to replicate the project by developing Model Government schools at various locations. The success of ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ has motivated the organisation to expand the school till class V. The company is contributing towards education across various plants, through the development of smart classes, providing better infrastructure, learning essentials, setting libraries and computer labs etc. They have already installed more than 35 smart classes in various government schools in Jharkhand. The company has been long committed to providing access to new age education to children in rural areas; they have touched 7300 students under their CSR pillar Sakshar Bharat

Speaking on the win Joydeep Chatterjee, Chief of CSR & Corporate Affairs at Nuvoco, said, “We are humbled by this recognition of our efforts towards creating a better tomorrow for children of tribal communities in the rural areas. ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ project is an ambitious initiative to bring the tribal children into mainstream education. Our aim is to instill the importance of education, bring that change in mindset, so that the children are able think of a better future. Sustainable growth and development is Nuvoco’s vision and in this regard development of villages with focus on women and children has been our endeavour. FICCI CSR Award is an encouraging validation of how small but meaningful initiative can lead to significant transformation. I would like to congratulate the entire team of Nuvoco who have worked relentlessly towards this and we will continue to thrive for excellence”

Rural Marketing | Aug 04, 2020

Nuvoco bags FICCI CSR Award for educating tribal kids

Nuvoco Vistas Corp, one of the India’s leading manufacturer and retailer of building materials has bagged the FICCI CSR Award 2018-19 in the Education category for their project ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ at the 18th edition of FICCI CSR Awards.

Speaking on the award, Joydeep Chatterjee, Chief of CSR & Corporate Affairs at Nuvoco, said, “We are humbled by this recognition of our efforts towards creating a better tomorrow for children of tribal communities in the rural areas. ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ project is an ambitious initiative to bring the tribal children into mainstream education. Our aim is to instill the importance of education, bring that change in mindset, so that the children are able think of a better future. FICCI CSR Award is an encouraging validation of how small but meaningful initiative can lead to significant transformation. I would like to congratulate the entire team of Nuvoco who have worked relentlessly towards this and we will continue to thrive for excellence.”

Nuvoco’s ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ project was initiated in 2014 under its CSR initiative ‘Sakshar Bharat’ in order to provide formal education, create education awareness and contribute to the tribal population’s development in Sunderhattu and Sarenbera villages near Nuvoco’s Jojobera cement plant in Jharkhand. Under this initiative, Nuvoco started Birsa Prathmik Vidyalaya to empower the tribal population by giving them access to education and enrolling them into mainstream education. Birsa Prathmik Vidyalaya currently educates 108 students from nursery to class III and has shaped lives of more than 500 tribal children. This has also resulted in improvement of their livelihoods, as children too were involved in rag-picking and other hazardous activities. This initiative is a success as Nuvoco has observed zero dropouts since the inception of Birsa Prathmik Vidyalaya.

Nuvoco is planing to replicate the project by developing model government schools at various locations. The success of ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ has motivated the organisation to expand the school till class V. The company is contributing towards education across various plants, through the development of smart classes, providing better infrastructure, learning essentials, setting libraries and computer labs among other utilities.

Under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Nuvoco has been able to make a difference in the lives of over 198,000 people across 103 villages. Nuvoco’s ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ was introduced to empower the tribal community and improve the way of living. With a population of more than 10.2 crore, India has the single largest tribal population in the world which is lacking of education in tribal areas is a glaring issue.

Cemnet News | Aug 04, 2020

Nuvoco wins the FICCI CSR Award 2018-19 for education

Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd has won the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) CSR Award 2018-19 in the Education category for their project ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ at the 18th edition of FICCI CSR Awards.

The award ceremony was held virtually on 27 July 2020 in the wake of COVID-19, where Shri Anurag Thakur, Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs, facilitated the award to Joydeep Chatterjee, who heads Nuvoco's CSR and Corporate Affairs, for the ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ project.

Nuvoco’s ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ project was implemented in 2014 under the CSR pillar ‘Sakshar Bharat’ to provide formal education, create education awareness and contribute to the tribal population’s development in Sunderhattu and Sarenbera villages near Nuvoco’s Jojobera cement plant.

Nuvoco’s ‘Shikshit Sunderhattu’ was introduced to empower the tribal community and improve the way of living as lack of education in tribal areas remains an issue. With a population of more than 10.2m or 8.6 per cent of its total population, India has the single largest tribal population in the world.

Under this initiative Nuvoco started Birsa Prathmik Vidyalaya to empower the tribal population by giving them access to education and enrolling them into mainstream education. Birsa Prathmik Vidyalaya currently educates 108 students from nursery to class III and has shaped lives of more than 500 tribal children.

The Hitavada | Aug 01, 2020

Educators across India laud National Education Policy 2020

Educators across the country have lauded the National Education Policy (NEP) approved by the Union Cabinet for introducing many reformations in the Indian education system after 34 years. Starting with the renaming of HRD Ministry as the Ministry of Education, the new policy approved by Union Cabinet on Wednesday envisions to offer a new structure to the education system in the country. The NEP 2020 proposes the revision and revamping of all aspects of the education structure, including its regulation and governance, to create a new system that is aligned with the aspirational goals of 21st-century education, while remaining consistent with India’s traditions and value systems, the educators said.

“This policy was long due and brings about the transformation to learn and turn the future Indian minds,” Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University Mumbai, said in a statement. “The NEP will offer multiple exit points in studies, which means that one could actually get into employment at different ages, different times, and different levels of education which is a thoughtful strategic structure,” Hiranandani said. Speaking on this integration, Atul Kulshrestha, Chairperson, FICCI Edtech Task Force, and Chairman and MD, Extramarks, said that the New Education Policy strives to completely transform the school education sector by aiming to provide high-quality education to all. Kulshrestha lauded the new policy for aiming to integrate technology, implementing a new assessment methodology and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to track student performance to optimise their career. Another very important development as a part of the NEP 2020 is the directive to teach students till the 5th grade in the mother tongue of the State or local language whenever possible.

“This is a welcome development. It is important to understand that deep and profound learning happens in the language a child is comfortable with,” said Vinod Malhotra, Chairman, Academic council, Saamarthya Teachers Training Academy of Research, Ghaziabad. “The primary objective of an education policy initiative is to enhance learning. Mother tongue is the most effective instrument of building strong foundations of knowledge,” Malhotra said. Vishnu Karthik, CEO, Xperiential Learning Systems and Director, The Heritage Schools said: “We first have to distinguish between language and literacy. Language is speaking and is natural for our brains. Literacy is reading and writing which is to be learned by our brains.”

The Sentinel | Jul 30, 2020

Education sector welcomed NEP terming as step in right direction

The education sector on Wednesday welcomed the new National Education Policy, terming it a progressive step which will change the landscape of higher education in the country.

The Union Cabinet approved the new National Education Policy which is expected to set the roadmap for the sector. The policy comes after over three decades.

Shishir Jaipuria, Co-Chairman of FICCI ARISE, said: "National Education Policy 2020 offers a number of well-reasoned and bold reformative steps in the right direction. It conveys a clear bias for disruptive change to meet the future learning needs."

He also said that it is time the government opens up the education sector to private investment as it will bring the cost of the education down and help in meeting the diverse needs of the country.

B.M.L Munjal University's Vice Chancellor Manoj K. Arora said: "It is a very progressive and forward-looking policy and will change the landscape of higher education in the country. We believe that we as a university and the country as whole, are going to immensely benefit and look forward to its fair implementation."

"The new education policy announced today is trying to gear up for the changed education reality by extending flexibility, graded levels of autonomy and trying to increase the level of knowledge application along with a broader skill set," said Professor Vishal Talwar, Dean, School of Management at the Munjal University.

"One major aspect to look out for will be how this policy is implemented. Something I would like to look out for will be how the common norms for public and private higher education institutions will play out because of the inherent differences in structure and approach," he added.

RSS' student wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) also welcomed the Cabinet's nod to the much awaited National Education Policy.

"This National Education Policy envisages the roadmap to put 'India' in Indian Education, and solutions for challenges prevalent in the education system which will enable students to pave the way for a glorious future," it said.

India Education Diary | Jul 30, 2020

National Education Policy (NEP) looks transformational: FICCI

FICCI commends the government on the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 released yesterday that looks fairly well structured and seems to have captured most of the important aspects of education. “This new policy has set a new paradigm by emphasizing on multidisciplinary and liberal education, doing away with affiliating system, moving towards institutional and faculty autonomy, co-existence of public and private higher educational institutions on equitable terms to promote research, credit-based system of curricular composition for different levels of qualifications, engagement with society, practice labs and focus om emerging technologies to plan, design and deliver the 21st century education,” remarked Dr Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI.

Dr Reddy further stressed on the need by the government to take up the implementation of the NEP with a concerted, focused and in a time bound manner. She said that it is extremely important to engage relevant stakeholders (including industry association bodies,) for an effective and smooth adoption of changes envisioned in the national education policy.

Mr Mohandas Pai, Adviser-FICCI Higher Education & Skills Committee & Chairman-Manipal Global Education, said that FICCI Higher Education that started its journey of reform since 2004, came up with a transformative recommendation through its report ‘Higher Education in India: Vision 2030’ released in 2013. “It is very heartening to see that most of the recommendations that were suggested in the FICCI Vision 2030 document has been adopted in the National Education Policy,” highlighted Mr Pai.

While citing one of the recommendations of the FICCI report, he mentioned that the NEP has talked about creating a tiered structure with Type I, Type II and Type III Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), that is very much in line with the FICCI vision report that suggested a 3-tiered framework (pyramid structure) by bucketing the diverse set of HEIs into three types, viz foundational HEIs, professional HEIs and research-intensive universities/HEIs.

Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Chairperson, FICCI Higher Education Committee & Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, said that the overall emphasis of NEP is to ensure quality with a predominant focus on equitability, inclusivity, and accessibility in Indian education system. The approach to multidisciplinary curriculum is commendable and what is required in the present situation. While highlighting the significance of academic credit banks and internationalization of higher education and its appropriate focus in the education policy, she also complimented the government on the autonomy given to Universities. “The new education policy is not only student friendly but also what the academia have appreciated,” said Dr Yeravdekar.

Dr Rajan Saxena, Past Chair, FICCI Higher Education Committee & Former Vice Chancellor, NMIMS while highlighting the significance of single overarching regulatory body, stressed on the fact that it will help to do away with multiple compliances since the proposed regulatory framework will work on self-disclosures by institutions.

He further mentioned that in line with FICCI recommendation, the NEP talks about creating the National Research Foundation (NRF) with an annual non-lapsable fund of Rs 20,000 crores extending to both public and private sector HEIs. This is indeed a great move, which, if implemented in letter and spirit, would certainly revolutionize the much-needed research ecosystem in the country

Mr Shishir Jaipuria, Co-Chairman, FICCI ARISE & Chairman, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Education Society said that the National Education Policy offers a number of well-reasoned and bold reformative steps in the right direction and conveys a clear bias for disruptive change to meet the future learning needs. Some of the important aspects of the policy that he highlighted were in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Teacher Education, Curriculum and Pedagogical Structure, Assessment, Accreditation, Self-Governance, and Standardized learning for both private and public schools. He further stressed that in order to meet the growing demand of investment required for India to reach SDG-4 by 2030 , it is time that the education sector opens up to private investment that will bring the cost of the education down and also help in meeting the diverse needs of the country.

Mr Atul Kulshrestha, Chairperson, FICCI Edtech Task Force and Chairman and MD, Extramarks said that the New Education Policy aims to completely transform the school education by aiming to provide high quality education to all specially by integrating technology, implementing a new assessment methodology and using AI to track student performance to optimize their career.

DT Next | Jul 30, 2020

Long-due reforms, devil lies in details: National Education Policy evokes mixed reactions

Teaching up to class five in mother tongue or regional language, lowering the stakes of board exams, allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in India, a single regulator for higher education institutions except for law and medical colleges and common entrance tests for universities are part of the sweeping reforms in the new National Education Policy (NEP) unveiled on Wednesday.

IIT Delhi Director Ramgopal Rao termed the new policy the "Morrill moment" for Higher Education Institutions in India (HEIs). In 1862, the United States had passed the Morrill Act to boost to higher education and set up institutions that would educate people in agriculture, home economics, mechanical arts, and other professions that were practical at the time.

"Creation of a National Research Fund with the involvement of all ministries will make our research impactful and visible to the society. This is the Morrill moment for HEIs in India," he said. Mahadeo Jaiswal, the Director of IIM Sambalpur, said, that changing the "pedagogical structure from a 10+2 system to a 5+3+3+4 system is in line with international educational standards".

"Due to the small structure of our IIMs and IITs, despite having ample talent, they were unable to figure in the top 100 institutes of the world. Allowing technical institutes to become multi-disciplinary will help IIMs and IITs to start other departments like medical etc and make their size bigger and allow them to admit more students."

Former Delhi University vice-chancellor Dinesh Singh, who bore the Centre's ire for the introduction of a four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) which was later rolled back, said the policy will create room for a healthy and synergistic blend between skill and knowledge.

"Some of the reforms outlined in the policy were long due. It allows a productive mix and match of different disciplines so that learning on discipline can provide ideas and connections with another discipline for a real-world outcome or application," Singh said.

According to Rekha Sethi, Director General, All India Management Association (AIMA), "The NEP will remove unnecessary complexity in delivery and regulation of higher education in the country and level the playing field for all students, irrespective of which college they go to -- private or government. E-courses in regional languages is a great idea." Jamia Millia Islamia vice-chancellor Najma Akhtar called the NEP "groundbreaking" and said higher education in India will now be holistic and multi-disciplinary with a shared focus on science, arts and humanities.

"A single regulator for all higher educational institutions is a great idea as it will bring coherence of approach and purpose. It will realise the vision of education in India," she added.

However, a few experts cautioned that the "devil lies in details" and called for a focused approach in translating the policy into action on the ground.

"The policy has advocated major reforms in education, but as always, the devil lies in the details, and we will see how to get the NEP 2020 translated to action on the ground, true to the spirit of the reforms envisaged to empower the students in the country, to discover and fully develop their unique potentials," said Rupamanjari Ghosh, Vice-Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University.

Vishnu Karthik, Director, The Heritage Schools, said, "The policy acknowledges the need to embrace output focused reform rather than input focused reforms. While the devil is in the details, the new NEP has touched upon some key levers which will have high impact on student learning levels”.

Indian National Teachers' Congress convenor Pankaj Garg said that allowing foreign universities to operate in India on their own norms is permitting foreign direct investment in education.

"We believe the government is running away from its responsibility of funding educational institutions. Also, this will result in fees for the students becoming exorbitant."

Delhi University Executive Council member Rajesh Jha said the policy is aimed at shifting the education system from grant-based to loan-based and promoting private players and foreign universities.

"This will be linked to differential grant dispersal and the reduction in the grants will shift the financial burden to the students, thus increasing the cost of education," he said. According to a spokesperson of Save the Children, "While the policy has been set in the background of technology, which is ideal, but the path to reach to the ideal goal is missing. Also, there is no adaptive programming in context of COVID-19 .There is also no emphasis on safe resilient school system."

"With the growing demand of investment required for India to reach SDG 4 by 2030, it would be unrealistic to expect such large investments coming solely from the government and purely philanthropic initiatives. It is time they open up the education sector to private investment that will bring the cost of the education down and help in meeting the diverse needs of the country," said Shishir Jaipuria, Co-Chairman, FICCI ARISE.