NEP 2020: A Critical Analysis of its People-Centric Promise (2025)

Introduction

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, heralded by Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan as a “policy of the people, by the people, and for the future of the people,” promises a transformative shift in India’s educational landscape. Unveiled on July 29, 2020, it aims to overhaul a system long criticized for colonial legacies, inequity, and stagnation. Pradhan’s defence of NEP articulated in a rebuttal to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on April 2, 2025, positions it as a democratic, decolonizing force rooted in access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. But does this rhetoric hold up under scrutiny? The present analysis critically evaluates the claim by examining the policy’s participatory process (“by the people”) and its tangible benefits (“for the people”), using facts, figures, and implementation realities as of April 2025. It questions the establishment narrative, highlights gaps, and offers insights into what the Government must do to make education people-centric.

“By the People”: Was NEP 2020 Truly a Participatory Process?

Pradhan claims NEP 2020 is a product of “the most extensive democratic consultations in India’s policy history.” The policy’s development, led by a committee under former ISRO Chief K. Kasturirangan, involved over 2 lakh suggestions from 2.5 lakh gram panchayats, 6,600 blocks, 6,000 urban local bodies, and 676 districts, as per the Ministry of Education’s reports. Public consultations followed the 2019 Draft NEP release, and an online conclave with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2020 amplified its visibility.

Yet, the process’s inclusivity is questionable. Despite education’s Concurrent List status, the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), a key Centre-state forum, has not met since September 2019—before NEP’s finalization. States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have resisted aspects like the three-language formula, alleging inadequate consultation and Hindi imposition. The 2 lakh suggestions lack transparency: no public data details contributors or their influence on the final policy. This opacity undermines the “by the people” claim, suggesting a centralized rather than collaborative approach. Historically, the 1968 NEP stemmed from the Kothari Commission’s multi-year study, while the 1986 NEP (revised in 1992) had less public input. NEP 2020’s consultation volume surpasses these, but volume alone doesn’t ensure representation.

“For the People”: Does NEP 2020 Deliver Tangible Benefits?

Pradhan frames NEP as a break from a corrupt, colonial past, emphasizing its five pillars. Let’s assess its impact with evidence.

Access and Equity

NEP targets a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030. Pradhan cites a 50% rise in Scheduled Caste (SC) enrolment, 75% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 54% for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in higher education since 2014-15, with female enrolment up 38.8% to 2.18 crore by 2022-23. Muslim female enrolment rose 57.5%. Initiatives like PM SHRI (14,500+ schools upgraded) and NIPUN Bharat bolster these gains. However, the 5+3+3+4 structure’s rollout is patchy due to curricular and training delays. ASER 2024 notes foundational learning gains in government schools – the first in 20 years – but credits pre-NEP efforts, not full implementation. The target of 2 crore out-of-school children remains unmet without updated progress data.

Quality

NEP introduces coding, multidisciplinary learning, and 10,000+ Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), with plans for 50,000 more. Research output has surged 88% since 2015, and India’s Global Innovation Index rank rose from 76 (2014) to 39 (2025). Eleven universities now rank in the QS World Top 500. Yet, teacher training under NISHTHA lags, and ASER 2024 flags syllabus-driven teaching over foundational learning, contradicting NEP’s goals. The digital divide – only 30% of Indians can afford smartphones – limits tech-driven quality.

Affordability and Accountability

NEP pledges 6% of GDP spending on education, but current levels hover at 4.6%. Per-child expenditure rose 130% from Rs 10,780 (2013-14) to Rs 25,043 (2021-22), and the 2023-24 budget reached Rs 1,12,899 crore. Yet, 89,441 public school closures since 2014 and 42,944 new private schools suggest commercialization. The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) awaits legislative approval, delaying accountability reforms.

For the Future?

NEP’s futuristic elements—Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in 8,000+ institutions, 15,000 textbooks in 22 languages, and women in STEMM (43%) – aim to decolonize and innovate. PhD enrolment for women rose 135%. However, the digital divide, slow structural shifts, and state resistance (e.g., Tamil Nadu’s stance) hinder universal readiness.

Critical Reflection

Pradhan’s narrative oversimplifies pre-2014 flaws (e.g., the 2009 Deemed University scandal) while ignoring achievements like the Right to Education Act (2009). Gandhi’s “3Cs” critique—centralization, commercialization, communalization—partly holds: CABE’s neglect signals centralization, school closures reflect commercialization, and IKS debates hint at communalization (though unproven). NEP’s intent is people-centric, but execution falters due to resource gaps and disparities.

Concluding Observations

As of April 2025, NEP 2020 is a bold vision with partial successes – enrolment gains, research growth, and infrastructure upgrades—but its “by the people” claim is weakened by centralized control and opaque consultations, while “for the people” is limited by uneven implementation and access disparities. It’s a work in progress, not a realized democratic triumph.

What Must the Government do to make education People-Centric?

1 Enhance Participatory Governance: Revive CABE and ensure state governments co-design implementation, addressing regional concerns (e.g., language policies).
2 Increase Funding: Achieve the 6% GDP target to halt school closures and bolster public education, reducing reliance on private players.
3 Bridge the Digital Divide: Subsidize devices and expand broadband to rural areas, ensuring tech-driven initiatives like ATLs benefit all.
4 Transparent Accountability: Publish consultation data and progress metrics (e.g., out-of-school children reintegrated) to build trust and refine policy.
5 Prioritize Teachers: Accelerate training and recruitment to align with the 5+3+3+4 structure, ensuring quality matches access.

FAQs with Answers:  A Critical Analysis of its People-Centric Promise

1. What is NEP 2020, and why is it significant?

NEP 2020 is India’s National Education Policy, launched in July 2020, aiming to transform education by 2030, focusing on access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. It’s significant for its ambition to decolonize education and prepare India for a knowledge economy.

2. How was NEP 2020 formulated?

It was developed by a committee led by K. Kasturirangan, with over 2 lakh suggestions from grassroots levels. However, critics argue that the process lacked depth, with no CABE meetings since 2019 and limited state input.

3. Has NEP 2020 improved access to education?

Yes, enrolment has risen – e.g., 50% for SCs, 75% for STs, and 38.8% for females by 2022-23 – but the 5+3+3+4 structure and two crore out-of-school children target show slow progress.

4. Does NEP 2020 ensure quality education?

It introduces coding, ATLs, and multidisciplinary learning, with research up 88% since 2015. Yet, teacher training lags, and the digital divide limits tech benefits.

5. Is NEP 2020 affordable for all?

Spending per child rose 130% by 2021-22, but at 4.6% GDP, it falls short of the 6% goal. Public school closures and private growth raise affordability concerns.

6. How does NEP 2020 address equity?

It boosts marginalized groups’ enrolment and women’s participation (43% in STEMM), but regional disparities and digital access gaps persist.

7. What are the main criticisms of NEP 2020?

Critics cite centralization (CABE inactivity), commercialization (school closures), and potential communication (IKS debates) alongside slow implementation.

8. What must the Government do next?

Increase funding, bridge digital gaps, enhance state collaboration, prioritize teachers, and ensure transparency to make NEP truly people-centric.

Suggested Readings

1 Ministry of Education NEP Consultation Report
2 PM Modi’s NEP Conclave, August 2020
3 CABE Inactivity Report
4 Tamil Nadu’s NEP Resistance
5 AISHE 2022-23 Report
6 PM SHRI Scheme Details
7 ASER 2024 Findings
8 Atal Tinkering Labs Initiative
9 Global Innovation Index 2025
10 QS World University Rankings 2025
11 Digital Divide in India
12 Education Spending Analysis
13 Union Budget 2023-24 Education Allocation
14 School Closure Data
15 Indian Knowledge Systems Adoption