Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed gratitude to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for taking the decision to implement National Education Policy-2020 (NEP- 2020) in the higher education sector in the State from the current academic year (2024-25).

In a post on X, Pradhan said, “I am grateful to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for taking the decision to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary National Education Policy-2020 in the field of higher education in Odisha from the academic year 2024-25.”

“Government of Odisha has approved the introduction of this new curriculum in all government universities and affiliated colleges under the higher education department. This initiative will bring about major changes in the education system of the state,” he added.

“The NEP-2020 is the wisdom document of the 21st century. This education policy will make education universal and inclusive in the state and will enhance the skills of students and bring out their hidden talents. I strongly believe that the NEP will work as a catalyst in promoting research-based and employment-based education and building a developed Odisha and a developed India,” he added.

Notably, the Odisha government on Saturday decided to the NEP-2020 in all the government Universities and affiliated colleges across the State from the current academic session (2024-25).

According to a CMO release, the implementation of the NEP 2020 is aimed at bringing a sea change in the education system in the state. According to the New Education Policy 2020, a four-year undergraduate course is going to be started in Odisha, in which Certificate, Diploma, Degree, and Degree Honours will be awarded to the eligible students after each year.

The State-level Credit Framework has been prepared on the basis of the Credit Framework provided by UGC and appropriate credits have been given in it along with providing opportunities for skill development and internship. Credit will also be given for community service and extra-curricular activities, N.C.C. NSS. etc.

The State government has approved two skill development courses, 112 multi-disciplinary courses, 14 vocational courses, 56 value-added courses and 84 skill development courses along with the detailed model syllabus for 40 core undergraduate degree courses, it said.

As per the NEP 2020, steps are being taken to make the state’s higher education system more qualitative, autonomous, and inclusive. The focus is on enhancing research and innovation through various schemes, promoting practical-based education, and improving skills through internships with industry. The curriculum will be made more job-oriented and to meet industry needs, the release said.

Read More Odisha News