In order to celebrate the successful completion of three years of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) today organised a press conference in Srinagar. The press conference was addressed by the Vice-Chancellor (VC) CUK Prof. A. Ravinder Nath.

Addressing the media, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath said, “NEP-2020 is basically focussing on catering to the learner interest and nurturing the learner abilities in developing economies, building societies and fostering leadership, which can convert the human potential into national empowerment”.

 The programme was conducted as part of Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam, a nationwide celebration regarding the completion of NEP-2020.

Flanked by the Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Convener NEP-2020 Implementation Committee, Prof. Syed Zahoor Geelani, and Deans of various schools of the varsity, Prof. Nath presented an overview of various steps and measures initiated by CUK and said that no stone is being left unturned to ensure proper and timely implementation of NEP in letter and spirit. He said that all efforts are being made to equip the students with skills relevant for the market and the opportunity for both vertical and horizontal mobility across the nation and abroad. CU Kashmir intends to offer holistic education through multidisciplinary approaches, while focusing on skill development, innovation and enterprise, he added.

 Enumerating various steps and measures taken by the CUK for implementing the NEP-2020, he said that the University is conducting a series of webinars/ seminars/ workshops/ trainings for more threadbare discussions in creating awareness among faculty in implementation of NEP – 2020. “So far seven such major events were organised and many more are in vogue.”

 CUK Vice Chancellor further added that the policy is aimed at revolutionising the country’s education system to address the challenges of the 21st century and cater to the diverse needs of the Indian population focussing on learner interests and abilities. He added that NEP 2020 marks a significant shift in India’s education policies in vogue over the decades and seeks to transform the entire learning ecosystem from school to higher education in the country to make it into a vibrant knowledge society.  

He added that the policy has been conceived in tune with the global agenda of UN Sustainable Development Goals –2030 as reflected in SDG-4 that seeks to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’. This requires substantial investment in providing a strong and vibrant public education system by facilitating the true philanthropic contributions through active participation of community and private sector under corporate social responsibility, he further said.

Prof Nath opined that the implementation of NEP 2020 requires concerted efforts from the central and state/UT governments, educational institutions, teachers, parents and other stakeholders. He added that NEP 2020 is a bold and ambitious step towards transforming India’s education system to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving global landscape and to foster a competent, skilled and knowledgeable citizenry capable of contributing effectively to society and to the economy.

The VC concluded by saying that CUK is focussing on initiating academic and administrative reforms in achieving full human potential of a learner by providing affordability, enhancing equitable access and ensuring quality and accountability. He added that CUK intends to fix achievable targets and set performance indicators in tune with regulatory agencies. He also shared Target 100 days report and spoke in detail how they are in tune with the NEP-2020 goals.

The Vice-Chancellor also responded to the queries of the journalists.