On Wednesday, the Karnataka government formed an expert committee tasked with crafting the Karnataka State Education Policy, set to supplant this year’s National Education Policy (NEP) announced by the Ministry of Education.
A ‘Government Order’ was issued by the state government to establish a 15-member committee, along with a distinct group of eight subject matter specialists and advisors who will contribute their expert insights.
The order stated, “The Government is pleased to sanction the formation of the State Education Policy Commission for the preparation of the draft Karnataka State Education Policy, to be chaired by Prof. Sukhdev Thorat, a distinguished figure in education, economics, and former Chairman of UGC New Delhi.”
This Commission has been assigned a deadline of February 28, 2024, to deliver its findings.
Among the committee members are Prof. S Japhet, the Founding Director of the UGC-sponsored Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEEIP), Dr. Sudhir Krishnaswamy, the Vice Chancellor of National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Dr. Sharat Anantha Murthy, a Professor at the School of Physics, University of Hyderabad, and A Narayana, a Professor associated with the School of Policy and Governance at Azim Premji University, among others.
Dr. Bhagyavana S Mudigoudra, Special Officer at the Department of Higher Education, will serve as the Member Secretary to the commission, overseeing and coordinating the proceedings.
Additionally, individuals designated as subject matter experts/advisors for specialized advice encompass Prof. Yogendra Yadav, a Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi; Prof. Rahamath Tarikere, a retired Professor in Kannada from Kannada University, Hampi; Prof. Janaki Nair, a Historian and retired Professor at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Sonam Wangchuk, an Engineer-turned-Education Reformer and Director of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), among others.
“Under the leadership of Prof. Sukhdev Thorat, a committee has been established to draft the Karnataka State Education Policy. I have full confidence that this committee will provide valuable recommendations to foster scientific curiosity, intellectual advancement, and essential education for the comprehensive development of students,” stated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
