On Tuesday, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria announced that Assam is ranked among the top five states in India for the successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Following a review meeting on the progress of NEP implementation in higher education institutions, Kataria acknowledged existing challenges in complete enforcement, with ongoing efforts to address these issues.

While speaking to reporters, Kataria mentioned that Assam’s notable progress prompted the gathering of vice-chancellors to discuss any challenges faced during NEP enforcement. The governor highlighted this as the third review meeting, where experts were invited to provide guidance.

Governor Kataria acknowledged challenges, particularly low enrollment rates, and stated that investigations into the reasons behind these challenges were underway. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concerns about the ‘stagnant’ gross enrollment ratio (GER) in higher education over the past decade, despite significant investments. Sarma, considering the recent All India Survey on Higher Education, discussed the possibility of introducing a new scholarship system for higher education.

Chief Minister Sarma urged officials and heads of higher education institutions to collaborate on establishing a uniform academic calendar and addressing issues like nepotism and favoritism. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, in remarks after the meeting, emphasized the ongoing efforts to achieve various milestones under NEP by 2035. Pegu noted that periodic reviews are conducted to assess progress, with stakeholders from both state and central governments, as well as private universities, participating in the review meeting. He also highlighted the focus on aspects such as ensuring the employability of graduates and fostering entrepreneurship under NEP.

Source: PTI

Also read: Assam: Government to assess students, schools in state-wide drive