State against several recommendations of NEP draft

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has expressed its reservations against several of the suggestions outlined in the draft of the New Education Policy (NEP) of the Central government. In a letter to the Central goverrnment stating its opinion on the NEP draft, the state emphasised its ante against the suggestion to end affiliation system of institutions in higher education sector.

The state also pointed out that the draft is silent on reservation policies and asked the Centre for measures to ensure the same.

Kerala also made it clear that it will support only the schemes that protect federal powers the states. The state government also expressed its concerns over several recommendations that might adversely affect the existing educational system. Kerala also demanded an alteration in the constitution of apex panels related to higher education sector.

Curtailing affiliation system should be preceded with much discussion and time. Any change that will be brought in line to the recommendations put forward in the draft will result in adverse situation.

The draft had recommended ending the system in which several colleges affiliate to a university and transform the colleges into autonomous college and later develop them to universities based on their performance. Such a change cannot be effected for colleges functioning in remote areas.

The NEP draft recommends transforming such colleges into skill oriented training institutes. The state government pointed out that, closure of institution in this manner would close the windows of higher education in such areas.

Ending the affiliation system would badly affect the learning facilities of marginalised sections including SC/STs.

The state government expressed its approval in principle to start conjoint courses in lieu of existing three year courses and asked the Central government to start colleges where such courses will be taught.

The draft has put forward recommendations that cannot be implemented by states with affordable investments. Kerala also asked the centre to relieve the states from the financial burden of implementing such recommendations.