Sir,

This is with reference to the news item “Curriculum Expert Committees for UG & PG formed to implement NEP from Current Academic year” (SOM dated June 20, Page-3).

As a concerned academic, I would like to inform about some missing facts in this regard.

The National Educational Policy (NEP-2020), which Universities and Colleges have to implement, was approved by the Central Government one year back, in June 2020. Since then, no preparatory work has been done by the Higher Education Department for its implementation. Even printed copies of the NEP-2020 is not available to the public till now! It’s available only online. Chairman of NEP Draft Committee Dr. Kasturirangan is misled to believe that Karnataka has taken speedy action.

The way Expert Committees have been constituted and a deadline of June 30 set for submission of proposal, is clear indication of the unprofessional manner of working by the Higher Education Council. There is total disregard for the principles of curriculum planning, design and implementation.

The Expert Committees, by definition, are expected to be independent and competent. How can Expert Committees packed with VCs and Registrars be independent? Many experienced teachers and ‘real experts’ from outside the system have been left out.

Any new curriculum plan needs to be vetted through a process involving peers, students, parents, corporates and other prospective employers and the Government and it is a time-consuming process but inevitable.

Therefore, it’s desirable that the Government follows due process in implementing NEP- 2020.

– Prof. B. Shivaraj (Retd.), Mysuru, 22.6.2021

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