The first meeting of Karnataka’s newly formed State Education Policy (SEP) commission set the foundation for an ambitious project that aims to overhaul the state’s education system.

Sukhdev Thorat, former UGC Chairman and current SEP Chairman, has promised a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach that will address short and long-term challenges in the education landscape of the state.

CREATION OF THE COMMISSION AND ITS MANDATE

The formation of a 15-member committee in charge of drafting the state education policy was directed by the government’s October 11 order, which calls for the inclusion of retired ICS officers, professors, and writers.

The team at this helm has been tasked with a thorough examination of the current status of both the school and higher education institutions in Karnataka, and to outline a comprehensive report by February 28, 2024.

NINE WORKING GROUPS TO REVIEW EDUCATION SECTORS

In an all-encompassing approach, the commission has instituted nine working groups to focus on distinct aspects of education.

These include the dissection of quality and accessibility, financing, governance, student enrolment, professional education, and issues surrounding online and distance education, alongside an evaluation of the role of value education in the curriculum.

Sukhdev Thorat emphasised the commission’s intent to include the perspectives of former vice-chancellors, education experts, retired professors, civil society groups, student forums, and other relevant stakeholders from across states in their fact-based report.

A POLICY DRAFTED ON FACTS AND DATA

“The report will be based on facts, not presumptions. The policy will fix short and long-term challenges for Karnataka’s education system. It will be comprehensive and futuristic, in line with the Radhakrishnan Commission and Kothari Commission reports.” Thorat said.

EXTENSION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND FUTURE PLANS

While under a directive to submit the policy within a stipulated timeframe, Thorat said that an extension may be requested if required. “As for implementation, it is up to the government to decide,” Thorat added.

The formation of the commission aligns with a proposal made in August, whereby the state government gave an in-principle nod for the formulation of SEP ready for the next academic year.

Source : India Today

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