The first meeting of Karnataka’s newly formed State Education Policy (SEP) commission set the foundation for an ambitious project that aims to overhaul the state’s education system.
Sukhdev Thorat, former UGC Chairman and current SEP Chairman, has promised a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach that will address short and long-term challenges in the education landscape of the state.
CREATION OF THE COMMISSION AND ITS MANDATE
The formation of a 15-member committee in charge of drafting the state education policy was directed by the government’s October 11 order, which calls for the inclusion of retired ICS officers, professors, and writers.
The team at this helm has been tasked with a thorough examination of the current status of both the school and higher education institutions in Karnataka, and to outline a comprehensive report by February 28, 2024.
NINE WORKING GROUPS TO REVIEW EDUCATION SECTORS
In an all-encompassing approach, the commission has instituted nine working groups to focus on distinct aspects of education.
These include the dissection of quality and accessibility, financing, governance, student enrolment, professional education, and issues surrounding online and distance education, alongside an evaluation of the role of value education in the curriculum.
Sukhdev Thorat emphasised the commission’s intent to include the perspectives of former vice-chancellors, education experts, retired professors, civil society groups, student forums, and other relevant stakeholders from across states in their fact-based report.
