Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for collective efforts to implement NEP 2020 while inaugurating a three-day education reform workshop in Imphal.
Imphal, June 22: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday called for a collaborative approach involving the government, educators and the public to ensure the successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Manipur.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugural session of a three-day workshop titled “Reforms in School Education of Manipur: An Approach to Implementation, Challenges and Opportunities of NEP-2020” organised by Vidya Bharati Shiksha Vikash Samiti, Manipur, at the City Convention Centre in Imphal.
Addressing participants, Khemchand Singh described education as one of the most powerful tools for transforming society and quoted former South African President Nelson Mandela on the importance of education in shaping the future.
He said the National Education Policy 2020 provides a roadmap for the education sector to contribute towards the vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. Stressing the importance of foundational learning, the Chief Minister highlighted the policy's emphasis on imparting education in a child's mother tongue up to Class V.
According to him, learning in the mother tongue enables children to understand concepts more effectively and acquire knowledge at a faster pace. He expressed confidence that the workshop would help stakeholders better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing NEP 2020 in the state.
Referring to the current situation in Manipur, Khemchand Singh said educational institutions and government offices had faced disruptions following the recent law and order disturbances. He noted that the summer vacation period had been reduced from three weeks to one week due to the prevailing circumstances.
The Chief Minister stated that normal functioning in schools and government departments was affected for nearly a month following the Tronglaobi incident. To compensate for the lost working days, Saturdays had been declared working days across government departments.
He added that Saturdays would once again be observed as holidays after pending work is completed and normal schedules are restored.
On the implementation of NEP 2020, Khemchand Singh said the responsibility should not rest solely with the government. He stressed that teachers, educational institutions, government officials, parents and the wider community all have a role to play in ensuring the policy's success.
“The policy can be implemented effectively only when all stakeholders work together with commitment and determination,” he said.
Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, who also addressed the gathering, said India is working towards becoming a fully developed nation by the centenary year of Independence under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
He described NEP 2020 as a key instrument in achieving that objective and underlined the role of teachers and education stakeholders in shaping the country's future.
Professor Ganga Prasad Prasain, President of Vidya Bharati Purvottar Kshetra, emphasised the importance of integrating skill development and vocational education into the school curriculum. He suggested that students should be introduced to vocational and skill-based courses from Class VI onwards alongside conventional academic subjects.
According to him, such an approach would equip students with practical skills and improve their prospects for self-employment and livelihood opportunities in the future.
The workshop brought together educators, administrators and policymakers to discuss strategies for implementing the National Education Policy in Manipur, while examining the challenges and opportunities associated with educational reforms in the state.
Among those present at the inaugural function were Keishamthong MLA Sapam Nishikant Singh, Dhanamanjuri University Vice-Chancellor Prof. W. Chandbabu Singh, Manipur University of Culture Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Gunindro, Commissioner for Higher and Technical Education Ningthoujam Geoffrey, along with professors, teachers and other stakeholders from the education sector.
The three-day workshop is expected to deliberate on various aspects of school education reforms, including curriculum development, teacher training, skill education and strategies for effective implementation of NEP 2020 in Manipur.
