Bhubaneswar, May 4: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati stated on Sunday that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a transformative reform that will play a crucial role in achieving the goals of a ‘developed Odisha’ by 2036 and a ‘developed India‘ by 2047. He emphasized that education is the most powerful tool for nation-building.
Addressing a national-level workshop on the implementation of NEP 2020 and higher education reforms in Bhubaneswar, the Governor noted that the policy provides a roadmap for harnessing India‘s demographic dividend and creating a robust, inclusive, and future-ready education system that can promote economic growth, social progress, and global leadership.
Describing the workshop as a visionary initiative, the Governor highlighted the collective commitment to strengthening education as the foundation of national progress and human development. He pointed out that India has historically been a global hub of knowledge, wisdom, and intellectual leadership, contributing significantly to mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature.
Referring to rapid global changes driven by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, data science, and digital innovation, he stated that critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and interdisciplinary education are now essential in a knowledge-based economy.
In this context, he mentioned that NEP 2020 marks a significant shift from rote learning to experience-based, holistic development and interdisciplinary education, aligning with the needs of the 21st century.
The Governor noted that Odisha has implemented several major reforms in higher education, including curriculum changes, promoting skill-based education, and ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
He highlighted the Odisha University (Amendment) Act and the University Teacher Cadre Reservation Act as significant steps towards enhancing equality in higher education.
Emphasizing skill development, entrepreneurship, and employability, the Governor asserted that the goal of education should be to empower youth to become job creators rather than just job seekers. He stressed the need for collective efforts from the government, academia, industry, and society for the effective implementation of NEP 2020.
He urged universities to adopt nearby villages and contribute to the effective implementation of welfare schemes by the central and state governments.
Higher Education Minister Surya Vamsi Suraj presented suggestions and a future action plan for the implementation of NEP 2020 in Odisha during the workshop.