SEMINAR-PDI

A seminar on “National Education Policy- A New Paradigm” was organized by Policy Development Initiative on 23th Jan 2013 at India International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. Prof. TPN Singh, Advisor (R&D) was delegated to attend the seminar.

Policy Development Initiative believes in promoting multi stake holder processes for infusing diversity in groups for initiating better policies and programs. It is set up by policy makers, media experts, civil servants, corporate leaders and key social figures with the aim of contributing towards appropriate decision making processes. It works for all sectors of economy and the society. PDI is of the view that participation from both the public and the private sector is essential to get the country moving forward.

The honorable Minister of Education, Dr. (Smt.) Kiran Walia graced the occasion as the Chief guest.

The distinguished guests were greeted and introduced by Mr. S. C. Pradhan, President PDI. He spelt out the objectives of PDI. PDI is a think tank at the research level and it requires inputs for making decisions which maybe contemporary and at times demanding. Indian economy is growing at a good pace but there are pitfalls in many areas. Despite having a strong education policy, the country has to go a long way in achieving its dreams. There is a huge dearth of Quality and it was quoted that BMW needed 3000 drivers and could not find the desired one. Likewise Maruti has complained of not getting skilled electricians for their plants. There are only 30% employable engineers and 20% employable with training. He wanted deliberations on University education to imbue quality. Higher learning is accessible to only 7% which as per the 11th five year plan has to increase to 50% by 2015.From access to quality should be the objective. He was concerned about how to reform the education society.

Dr. A. P. Padhi, Convener of the seminar, delved into ancient India which was the center of Learning for the world. He quoted that knowledge protects as mother, promotes interest as father, removes sorrows and brings happiness as wife and brings name, fame and consciousness. He also spoke on the hygiene existing in the colleges which should be taken care off. Various aspects on language improvement, syllabi updation, extra and co-curricular activities, quality education, academic audit, ragging etc. were discussed in great detail.

Dr. S. P. Agrawal, Prof. Khuntia and Mr. Nitai Dhall gave their views on the present education system and the policies to be initiated for their development. Dr.KiranWalia, honorable Minister, spoke on the policy initiatives taken up by the Govt. to solve the unemployment problem. Example of Singapore was given for the education model. Concern was expressed of youth going astray. She emphasized on respect for labor and not to assess measures on piece meal basis.

Dr. Arun Rath, Prof. Poonam Aggarwal and Dr. Manoj Malik spoke on the school programs and how to prepare school children to be qualitative.

Dr. S. S. Mantha, Chairman AICTE, candidly brought out the malaise set in the education system and the efforts initiated for sanitizing the system. Qualified teachers at the KG level are the fulcrum which is often ignored and the foundation collapses in later years. The principal agent problem should be addressed and innovativeness should be introduced in the new education policy.

Question answer session was held wherein topics of privatization in education sector, gap in curricula, competency and assessment of students etc. were discussed.