Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expresses displeasure over Karnataka scrapping NEP

Expressing disappointment over Karnataka government's 'politically motivated' decision to discontinue the Centre's National Education Policy 2020, the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said the move reveals the 'anti-reform, anti-Bhartiya Bhasha and anti-Karnataka character' of the Congress party.

"Education should be a beacon of progress and not a political pawn. Disappointed to learn about Karnataka CM's politically motivated decision to discontinue the National Education Policy 2020. Our education system needs evolution, not regression. NEP was a result of years of consultations, reflecting the aspirations of all. This decision reveals the anti-reform, anti-Bhartiya Bhasha and anti-Karnataka character of @INCIndia", Pradhan tweeted on Tuesday.

He emphasised that the NEP 2020 was a 'philosophical document' and not a political one and the state should rise above 'petty politics' to put students first.

Pradhan's comments come amid several opposition-ruled states indicating their intent to disassociate with the NEP 2020.

The NEP 2020 brought by the NDA government replaces the Congress-era education policy which had been in effect since 1986. It has come into effect from 2020 onwards.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah had recently announced that the state would discontinue implementation of the NEP from the next academic year. Deputy chief minister DK Sivakumar added this week that a committee would soon be set up to replace NEP with a framework more aligned to Karnataka's 'unique' educational requirements and aspirations.