NEP to replace outdated system that had limited students to kitabi gyan: PM

Expressing pride over the contribution made by teachers in preparing NEP, Modi said the policy has been formulated keeping in mind the needs of the 21st century. “All these years, in the name of education, we were only giving kitabi gyan (bookish knowledge). The NEP is changing this. This new policy is based on pragmatic understanding,” he added.

Highlighting the provision of imparting education in mother tongue in NEP, the PM said that though the British ruled India for more than 250 years, the English language was still limited to a handful of the population. But afterwards, parents started chasing education in English language, he said.
“Teachers who had studied in regional languages faced difficulty in getting jobs due to preference for learning in English. But the current government has changed that by introducing learning in regional languages, thereby saving the jobs of teachers who prefer regional languages,” he added.

The PM emphasised the need to create an environment where people come forward to become teachers.

Reflecting on the initiatives he took in the education sector with the help of primary teachers when he was the chief minister of Gujarat, Modi drew attention to the fact that the dropout rate in the state has reduced from 40 per cent to 3 per cent since NEP was launched.

He added that in the 21st century, India’s education system, teachers and students are changing. “Now that infrastructure and resource challenges are gradually being addressed, immense curiosity is seen among the students. These confident and intrepid young students, 8 and 9 years olds, challenge teachers and push discussions beyond traditional boundaries. As students have multiple sources of information, teachers now have to stay updated about everything,” Modi said.

“The future of our education system depends on how these challenges are addressed by teachers.” he added.

The PM requested teachers to also become mentors and guides of students. He reiterated that there is no technology that can teach how to gain deep understanding of any subject. “Google has data and information but it is you who have to take the decision.”

Modi emphasised the need to reach a logical conclusion through deep study of a subject. He said that therefore, the role of teachers in the 21st century has become even more meaningful. “Every parent wants their children to be taught by the best teachers.” he added.

Highlighting the disconnect between schools, students and teachers, the PM advised teachers – who attended the event from across the country – to celebrate school’s foundation day, invite alumni to these functions and stay in touch with the students.

“These days when I attend a marriage, I see that hardly anyone invited his or her teachers for marriage. …when I ask teachers, they speak about around 10 students – whom they have taught in their lifetime – whom they are proud of… There is a disconnect on both sides, from teachers and students,” he stressed.