REVIEW OF EDUCATION POLICY
 

The present government is reviewing the national education policy. The prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, in his address to the nation on January 5, 1985 touched upon this subject and said;

Education must promote national cohesion and the work ethic. The grandeur of our freedom struggle and its significance for national integration have to be brought home to every student. Our schools and colleges should acquaint the younger generations with India's ancient heritage and culture. The curricula and text books should curb parochial and communal interpretations of our composite culture.

I have looked at some of the policies and programmes in this field. I have asked that a new national education policy be drafted.

We are formulating programmes to use on a large scale the new communication technology in our school system. Delinking of degrees from jobs under Government is under active consideration. Steps are being taken to establish an Open University to bring higher education within easy reach of all. The Central schools organisation will be expanded. These Schools will function as centres of excellence in every district of out country.

I would strongly emphasise education's organic link with the productive forces of society. We shall reorganise vocational education to align it with industry, agriculture communications and other productive sectors of out country.15

The Prime Minister has set up a three-member informal group headed by Prof. P.N.Srivastava, Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University to advise him on educational Plans and policies.

The other members of the group which will suggest reforms in education and lay down priorities are Dr.P.L. Malhotra, Director of the National Council of Educational Research and Training and Dr. Moonis Raza, former Director of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration.16

15 Prime Minister's Broadcast to the Nation,Press Information Bureau, Government of India, January 5, 1985.

16 Hindustan Times, January 6, 1985