Jharkhand Governor leads discussion on NEP 2020 implementation

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

Ranchi, May 29: A significant meeting was held today at Raj Bhavan under the chairmanship of Jharkhand Governor and Chancellor of State Universities, Santosh Kumar Gangwar. The discussion focused on the “Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Indian Knowledge Tradition.”

The event was attended by Anil Kothari, National Secretary of the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (Education and Culture Promotion Trust), New Delhi, along with other officials from the trust and Vice-Chancellors of all government and private universities across Jharkhand.

Universities Asked to Form Task Forces and Engage Students

Governor Gangwar emphasized that since India’s independence, this is the first education policy crafted with a deep focus on India’s nature, culture, linguistic diversity, and development goals.

He described NEP 2020 not merely as an education reform but as a historic step towards making India a global knowledge powerhouse. He also highlighted that the policy embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “development through education and self-reliance through skills.”

Also Read- PM Modi targets Mamata govt, says Bengal needs freedom from violence and misrule

Expressing his commitment to improving higher education in Jharkhand, the Governor urged the Vice-Chancellors to work collectively. He expressed confidence that Jharkhand could become a model state in higher education with their cooperation. Stressing the importance of solutions over problems, he called for concrete steps to advance education in the state.

The Governor advised universities to form effective task forces for the implementation of NEP 2020, conduct regular review meetings, and organize workshops to familiarize students with the policy’s benefits.

He stressed that education should transcend not merely acquiring degrees but focus on knowledge acquisition, personality development, and character building. The new policy encourages students to move away from rote learning towards innovation, skills, and practical knowledge.

Governor Highlights India’s Ancient Educational Heritage

Highlighting India’s ancient scholarly heritage, Governor Gangwar recalled how ancient centers like Takshashila, Nalanda, and Vikramshila set world-class standards in education and research. Indian scholars contributed uniquely to fields such as mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy, medicine, and yoga. The Indian knowledge tradition has inspired not only India but the entire world for centuries.

Calling upon all stakeholders, the Governor urged efforts to develop Jharkhand as an educational hub that attracts students from across the country by fostering a vibrant academic culture.

Also Read- SC grants interim relief to ex-Telangana intelligence chief in phone-tapping case

Collaborative Efforts and Practical Measures Discussed

During the event, Dr. Nitin Kulkarni, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, stressed the importance of dialogue among universities to share best practices for NEP implementation. He called for the formation of focused task forces and suggested replacing colonial-era academic regalia with Indian attire at convocations, ensuring students are not burdened financially for these garments.

Anil Kothari of the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas recommended reconstituting implementation committees with involvement from college principals and students, emphasizing that the policy ultimately serves students’ interests.

He also stressed that all teachers and administrators must thoroughly understand NEP provisions to deliver real benefits. Kothari highlighted the importance of skill development and promoted the “Vocal for Local” initiative.

Vice-Chancellors from institutions such as Jharkhand University of Technology (Ranchi), Arka Jain University (Jamshedpur), Sido Kanhu Murmu University (Dumka), Amity University (Ranchi), Ranchi University, Jharkhand Rai University (Ranchi), Vinoba Bhave University (Hazaribagh), Sarla Birla University (Ranchi), Kolhan University (Chaibasa), and Usha Martin University (Ranchi) shared their progress on NEP 2020 implementation through presentations during the meeting.

This high-level deliberation marks a key step toward strengthening Jharkhand’s higher education system aligned with national priorities and India’s rich intellectual heritage.