BHUBNESWAR: To facilitate the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020), the Odisha government, led by Mohan Charan Majhi, has reconstituted a special Task Force.
Nityananda Gond, the Minister of School and Mass Education, stated that the ‘National Education Policy’ will soon be implemented in Odisha to enhance the state’s education system, with initial preparations already underway.
“A task force has been reorganised, and six sub-committees have also been formed to ensure effective implementation. Our government is committed to improving Odisha’s education system and securing a bright future for students. The successful implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 in the state will undoubtedly revolutionise the field of education,” said Nityananda Gond.
The Task Force now includes 13 members from various departments, with the Development Commissioner appointed as its Chairman. Members include Principal Secretaries from the School and Mass Education Department, ST and SC Development Department, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, PR and DW Department, Finance Department, Women and Child Development Department, Skill Development and Technical Education Department, Sports and Youth Services Department, among other officials.
According to the notification, “In a partial modification to Department notification No. 13118, dated 23.09.2020, regarding the National Education Policy, 2020 (NEP-2020) approved by the Government of India, Ministry of Education, the Government has reconstituted the Task Force under the chairmanship of the DC-cum-ACS to recommend measures for implementing NEP-2020 in the State of Odisha.”
Additionally, expert members from UNICEF, Central Square Foundation (CSF), AKSHARA Foundation, Language Learning Foundation (LLF), PRATHAM, and a nominee from the Higher Education Department will be included as special invitees.
Furthermore, six thematic sub-committees have been reconstituted to address various components of NEP-2020. These sub-committees will include representatives from other departments, directorates functioning under the School and Mass Education Department, and experts in the field of education as special invitees.
The ‘Early Childhood Education’ subcommittee, chaired by the Director of the Women and Child Development Department, consists of 12 members. The ‘Dropout Rate and Education for All’ subcommittee, chaired by the Director of Secondary Education, has 13 members. The ‘Curriculum’ subcommittee, chaired by the Director of Technical Education and SCERT, comprises 16 members. The ‘Teacher Education’ subcommittee, also chaired by the Director of Technical Education and SCERT, includes 12 members. The ‘Online and Digital Education’ subcommittee, chaired by the Director of Skill Development and Vocational Education, features 10 members. The ‘Finance’ subcommittee, chaired by the Director of Primary Education, has 9 members.Each subcommittee has a designated member-secretary.
The Chairperson may invite other experts or relevant individuals to participate in specific meetings of the Committee or Sub-Committee to discuss particular issues related to the smooth implementation of NEP-2020.
It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently announced that the Odisha Government will soon implement NEP-2020 during a public program.
