FOREWORD
 

It is said that a large organizational set-up usually starts getting fossilized as its major sources of information in-flow get blocked over time. Hence, keeping the information channels open becomes one of the preconditions of dynamic an changing systems. This is especially applicable in the case of educational systems which are traditionally slow to respond to changes from within and without. it is in recognition of this phenomenon that, of late, more attention is being paid to the grass-root level feed-back. By taking into account this information it will be possible to discern not only the present infirmities whichever may have crept in the educational system but, that it will also be helpful in providing directions for change in future.

This study is the result of an analysis of nearly 1000 letters regarding new educational, policy addressed to the Prime Minister, the Union Education Minister and the Education Secretary to the Government of India and received between January and May 1985. The framework of the study and the modalities of analysis were evolved after wide- ranging discussions with fellow academicians from institutions like the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), India Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA). We are particularly grateful to Professor Kuldeep Mathur (IIPA) who very kindly agreed to be a Consultant for this study.

The document is divided into three parts. The first part, takes note of the professional and regional representation of the respondents, while the second and the major part gives an analysis of the themes covered in these communications. In its conclusion, the study attempts to explore the dichotomy between the policies embodied in the various commissions and committees on education as well as the last National Policy on Education (1968), and their actual implementation.

It is hoped that this document will help in contributing to the debate on new educational policy.

New Delhi Satya Bhusan August 29, 1985 Director