INTRODUCTION
 

A number of noneducational institutions, associations and forums joined the nationwide debate on New Education Policy. The recommendations of various seminars, conferences and workshops organised by 29 Non-Educational Associations/Institutions/Forums received for the present study, exhibit deep concern for making, education an effective instrument for promoting human welfare, individual and social development, fostering harmony and peace. A list of these institutions is given in Appendix II. Their suggestions hardly leave any aspect of education untouched. The concerns for national integration, unity, universalisation, linking education with work and daily life needs, making it relevant to individuals and national goals and forging a real learning society are vehemently expressed at different forums.

It is true that most of organizations have offered their views on limited aspects of education pertaining to their areas of work or interest. There are, however, some organisations like Abhyas Mandal, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, having enlisted opinions from eminent citizens, educationists, leaders and senior officials of various educational institutions, have offered wide ranging suggestions embracing all aspects of education. Similarly, the Bhartiya, Samaj Unnati Mandal, Maharashtra, has offered extensive suggestions for deprived groups of Scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Common Trust, Bangalore, Karnataka having detailed deliberations in a workshop of leading associations working in the areas of disabled has provided all embracing proposals in the area of special of physically education for the disabled. Some major features of the analysis of their responses on different aspects of education policy are as follows: