Odisha feels National Education Policy 2019 Bereft of Reality & 'Romanticised'?

Bhubaneswar: A high-level meeting was organised here on Wednesday to look into the aspects of Centre's proposed National Education Policy 2019. Odisha Higher Education Minister Arun Sahoo, Vice-Chancellors of several universities and educationists were present among others at the State-level consultation meeting on 'Draft National Education Policy 2019'.

However, those in the meeting here found that such proposals are bereft of reality. "The policy is much romanticized and much more has been laid out than what could be done. It's not possible as it will create a lot of problems. Let's see what the State government decides," said Sujata Mishra, a teacher at SCS Autonomous College, Puri.

President of 662-category block grant teachers' association, Golak Nayak said that the policy needs a lot of modifications and it doesn't suit a State like Odisha. Similarly, president of Odisha parents association, Basudev Bhatt said, "We have given a proposal for vocational training which will help students get jobs early."

Higher Education Minister Arun Sahoo said, "We discussed all the aspects of the policy. We will submit our suggestions soon."

Ashok Das, vice-president of State Higher Education Council, said that 25 per cent people in Odisha are tribals and there are many schools and colleges, which are struggling to sustain, need to be developed first. "After looking into what all could be good for students, we will prepare a report and send suggestions," said Das.