NEP 2020 upholds Reservation Policy: Education Minister

Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has clarified on December 1 that the NEP 2020 upholds the Reservation Policy enshrined in the Constitution of India.

He said that a report in news agency PTI around November 24, 2020, questioned whether the NEP 2020 upholds the Reservation Policy.

"As per the articles published, some of my political friends have been raising doubts that the National Education Policy- NEP-2020 may dilute the provisions of reservation in the educational space of the country," he said.

He added, "I would like to clarify with all authority in my command that there is no such intention, as is clearly reflected in NEP-2020."

The education minister expressed surprise that various Entrance Examinations like JEE, NEET, UGC-NET, IGNOU were organized after the declaration of NEP-2020, and many appointment processes were also held in educational institutions, but there is not a single complaint of dilution of reservation provision so far.

"It is difficult to understand the meaning of raising apprehensions after 4-5 months of the declaration of NEP, that too without any fact to support," he said.

He added, "I reiterate that successful ongoing programs and policies will continue with new efforts to bring educational inclusion of SCs, STs, OBCs, Divyang and other socio-economic disadvantageous groups. I would like to make it absolutely clear that my Ministry will take every appropriate action if we receive any complaint in this regard."

He expressed hope that his views on this historic new policy correcting the wrong impressions others might have, may be published so that the people of the country may know the correct version.