Page 20 - Kashmir and National Education Policy by Dr. Amarpreet Kour

KASHMIR & NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2020 || DR. AMARPREET KOUR

28. The National Knowledge Commission (NKC), established in
2005 and chaired by Sam Pitroda, aimed to transform India into a
knowledge-based economy. In its final report submitted in 2009,
the NKC emphasized reforms in higher education, innovation,
and access to knowledge. It recommended increasing the
number of universities, promoting public-private partnerships,
improving research infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of
teaching (Government of India, 2007).

29. The Commission also highlighted the importance of digitization,
libraries, and the right to education for inclusive growth. Its
recommendations significantly shaped policy discussions on
knowledge and education in India.

30. The First National Education Policy of 1968 focused on free and
compulsory education up to age 14, improving teacher status and
training, promoting regional and international languages, and
ensuring equal educational opportunities. It emphasized science
education, research, agriculture, and industrial relevance, along
with reforms in examinations, university education, and adult
literacy. The policy encouraged work experience, national
service, and physical education while safeguarding minority
rights and standardizing the educational structure for holistic
national development.

31. The National Policy on Education (NPE) 1986 highlights the
critical role of education in promoting equity and social justice
for women (Government of India, 1986).

32. Education for women’s equality is a vital component of
the overall strategy for ensuring equity and social justice in
education. Paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 of the National Policy on
Education (NPE), 1986 strongly emphasize the empowering
role of education and the need for interventions to address
gender disparities. These provisions include the establishment
of special support services and the removal of factors that lead
to discrimination against women at all levels of education
(Government of India, 1986).

33. In 1992, the Government appointed the Janardan Reddy
Committee, whose report laid the foundation for the revised
National Policy on Education and the Programme of Action
(POA) 1992. The revised POA emphasized education for

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