(a) whether more holistic efforts are being made by the Government to impart education conforming to Indian values and philosophy through the new National Education Policy;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to take special measures for reviewing the principles propounded in the context of Indian history and languages in Indology and Phonology; and
(d) if so, the details in this regard?
MINISTER OF EDUCATION
(SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL ‘NISHANK’)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 372 RAISED BY SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL, SHRIMATI MALA RAJYA LAXMI SHAH, HON’BLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT TO BE ANSWERED ON 22ND MARCH 2021 REGARDING INDIAN VALUES AND PHILOSPHY ORIENTED EDUCATION
(a) & (b): This National Education Policy, 2020 envisions an education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes directly to transforming India, that is Bharat, sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society, by providing high-quality education to all, and thereby making India a global knowledge superpower. The Policy envisages that the curriculum and pedagogy of our institutions must develop among the students a deep sense of respect towards the Fundamental Duties and Constitutional values, bonding with one’s country, and a conscious awareness of one’s roles and responsibilities in a changing world. The vision of the Policy is to instil among the learners a deep-rooted pride in being Indian, not only in thought, but also in spirit, intellect, and deeds, as well as to develop knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions that support responsible commitment to human rights, sustainable development and living, and global well-being, thereby reflecting a truly global citizen.
The government has setup ‘Indian Knowledge Systems’ Division in the Ministry, to carry out scientific analysis and research of the Indian Knowledge Systems for promoting indianness. For this, it is essential that an identified set of skills and values be incorporated at each stage of learning, from pre-school to higher education through following activities:
(i) Research into the Indian Knowledge Systems in different streams and appropriating it to the current knowledge and application to the social needs and carrying out further research.
(ii) Documentation and digitalization of the literature available for different Indian Knowledge Systems after validation and making it available for everyone’s use.
(iii) Promotion and systematic research in the field of ayurveda, naturopathy, agriculture, art, mathematics, astronomy, science, technology, life sciences, environment, natural sciences, health care, yoga, law, jurisprudence, economics, social sciences, psychology, philosophy, management, linguistics and other oral traditions of Indian Knowledge Systems.
(iv) Attitude, Skill & Knowledge (student’s attributes) with a mix as applicable for ITI/Diploma/UG/PG.
(v) Right from the preparatory stage at school level, identified set of skills and values be incorporated to be continued till the higher education.
(vi) Attitude by education on values.
(vii) Knowledge and Skill including Behavioural skills, skills in science, technology, management etc. skills for service, like agriculture, healthcare and justice skills for meaningful participation in the family to the larger society along with case studies from Indian Knowledge System combined along with vocational/emerging areas /entrepreneurship / innovation.
(c) & (d): Indian Council of Historical Research, an autonomous organization under Ministry of Education is undertaking various projects/seminars/lectures/workshop along with funding to other individuals/institutions with a focus to bring out the India''s past glory. Projects like Comprehensive History of Bharat; History of Towns and Villages of India, from Ancient to Modern History of Lesser Known Dynasties, Personalities, Institutions, etc. are some of the examples to work towards Indological researches. To carry out such researches in true sense, the ancient languages like Prakrit, Sanskrit, Pali, etc are being propagated via organising the workshops, seminars and other such activities.
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