‘New Education Policy to be pro-student, favour learning’

The panel in its 200 page report has given specific suggestions to raise the standard of education which are found wanting in many respects from primary to higher level, sources said. One of the key suggestions is to focus on “remedial coaching” and “hand-holding” to ensure the learning outcome of children does not suffer. It has recommended that the ‘No Detention policy’ be reviewed and exams be held from Class V. 

The committee in its report is also learnt to have devoted a chapter on the impact of coaching classes for entrance exams. “The committee has made specific recommendations from infrastructure to quality of education, which is an issue of concern, from primary to higher levels,” sources said.

Another important recommendation is formation of an Education cadre service which would improve the standards of administration of the education. Sources said with an aim of improving the quality of higher education, where not many Indian institutes manage to figure in top rankings, the panel has suggested that high quality institutions from abroad should be allowed to come into the country, though with appropriate restriction.

Apart from Subramanian, a former Cabinet Secretary, former Chief Secretary of Delhi government Shailaja Chandra, former Home Secretary of Delhi government Sevaram Sharma, former Chief Secretary of Gujarat Sudhir Mankad and former NCERT Director JS Rajput were members of the panel. 

The committee has also emphasised on aspects related to skilling and vocational education. The panel is learnt to have emphasised imbibing values and confidence in the students.