Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, today attended the Education Conclave, organized by India TV Speed News at the Scope Convention Centre, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi. Speaking at the session, Shri Pradhan highlighted the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to integrate global best practices while preserving India’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
He reiterated that the NEP prioritises education in mother tongues to enhance comprehension and cognitive development, ensuring a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Addressing recent concerns, he clarified that NEP does not impose any language but rather promotes multilingual education to strengthen critical thinking skills among students.
"India has thousands of languages, and all Indian languages are equally important. By not implementing NEP, we are depriving students, teachers, and parents of global opportunities," he stated. Reflecting on five years of NEP implementation, the Union Education Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but emphasised that the government had effectively utilised this period to lay a strong foundation.
“Previously, early education lacked an institutional framework. With NEP, we have formalised it through Bal Vatika, ensuring holistic development, skill-based learning, and interest-driven education from the foundational years,” he added. Shri Pradhan also addressed the recently proposed reform of conducting Class 10 board examinations twice a year, set to be introduced from 2026.
He underscored that the initiative aligns with NEP 2020’s vision to reduce exam-related stress and provide students with an opportunity to improve their scores. "This reform is widely appreciated, with nearly 99% of people supporting it. It aims to de-stress students and make examinations a tool for learning rather than pressure," he said.
He further informed that CBSE has placed the draft guidelines in the public domain and will finalise them based on feedback from stakeholders. Discussing the role of emerging technologies in education, the Minister highlighted the increasing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy.
He emphasised that integrating AI into education is a critical step in preparing students for the future and ensuring that they are equipped with the skills needed to compete globally. "The government is committed to fostering an education system that embraces both hands-on skills and digital proficiency to create well-rounded learners," he noted.
The conclave also featured insightful discussions with policymakers, university vice-chancellors, EdTech leaders, and education experts on key issues, including the impact of education policies on future generations, the growing trend of Indian students studying abroad, and the evolving role of coaching institutes in mainstream education.
The event by India TV Speed News reaffirmed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in shaping an inclusive, skill-driven, and globally competitive education system to help prepare India’s youth to become global citizens with 21st-century knowledge and skills.