New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) include setting up campuses of foreign universities in India for local students “to get global exposure right here”.
“There are no boundaries for knowledge. National Education Policy (NEP) talks about opening up the education sector of the country. The aim is to open the campuses of foreign universities in the country and get global exposure to our students right here,” said PM Narendra Modi as he addressed the 22nd convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati through video-conferencing.
The NEP, which was cleared by the Union Cabinet in July, is a document that charts out the reforms to be taken in the education sector over the coming years.
Modi said the NEP has been made multi-disciplinary, adding that it will connect education with technology and make technology an “integral part of our students’ thinking”.
“New Education Policy introduces multi-disciplinary education and provides flexibility to choose subjects, multiple entry and exit options. NEP will connect students with technology, which means, students will learn about technology through technology,” the PM added.
“The NEP has opened the way for introduction of artificial intelligence education and increased usage of online learning,” he said, adding that the policy will help establish India as a global education destination.
‘Northeast centre of Act East’
He also said research collaboration and exchange programmes between Indian and global institutions will be promoted. “I’m certain that research will become a habit for everyone. It will become a part of your thought process,” he added.
Describing students as the future of the nation, he said they need to be “future-ready”. “I firmly believe that the future of the nation is what its youth thinks today. Your dreams are going to shape the reality of India. The time today is to be future-ready and future-fit,” he said.
Among other things, Modi said the northeastern states invest a lot of energy and efforts in fighting off disasters such as floods and earthquakes. “I request IIT-Guwahati to start a Centre for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction. This centre will provide expertise to combat these calamities”.
He also stressed the role IIT-Guwahati can play with “our neighbours”. “Northeast region is the centre of Act East policy. This region is also a gateway of relations between India and Southeast Asia,” Modi said.
He also talked about the work being done by the central government to develop the Northeast, including building “infrastructure in railways, airways, roadways and waterways”.
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