Edu movement opposes draft NEP 2019

Speaking to media here, R Murali, the State coordinator of the movement, said the implementation of the draft policy would adversely affect the existing academic system in Tamil Nadu. Although the country saw one of the highest youth population at around 120 crore and had around 40,000 colleges, many of them are yet to gain access to education, he said.

Referring to the recommendations of the NEP draft developed by a committee chaired by K. Kasturirangan, Murali said those students who pass out of school could face a tough time for admission to undergraduate courses in all government and aided institutions as they would have to clear the ‘All India entrance tests’ if the draft policy were to be approved.

Moreover, higher educational institutions with the proposed new regulations would have a free hand in framing the academic syllabus as all colleges would get autonomy status in the coming days. So far, academic autonomy was granted to colleges but not financial autonomy, he said. However, the NEP draft has recommended both fixing the fee structure and also-to an extent-faculty appointment on their own. Hence, those with financial power could only access education as higher education institutions would have no control, Murali said.

Murali also said with the NEP committee setting a deadline of June 30 for receiving suggestions, it would be insufficient for all stakeholders to record their opinions, and hence sought at least six months’ time.

He also demanded that the draft be presented in vernacular language too.