New Delhi, Oct 30: Blaming the essence of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 & PM SHRI is sheer ignorance of Congress people, said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday.
Responding to the jibes of Priyanka Gandhi on the two revolutionary transformations in the Indian system of Education, Pradhan said both the innovative feats will pave the way for nation building.
Taking to X, Pradhan wrote, “The remarks made by Smt Priyanka Gandhi on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) initiative are a glaring display of ignorance and political opportunism. By making such irresponsible and misleading statements, she not only distorts facts but disrespects the collective wisdom of India’s educators, academicians, and citizens who shaped these historic reforms.For over 30 years, India waited for meaningful education reforms that could prepare its youth for the challenges of the 21st century. The NEP 2020, formulated under the guidance of Late Prof. K. Kasturirangan, a scientist of global eminence, was the result of one of the most exhaustive and inclusive consultation processes ever undertaken. It drew participation from lakhs of teachers, students, and institutions across the nation. The policy seeks to modernize the education system with an emphasis on inclusion, equity, quality learning, and global competitiveness, while remaining firmly anchored in India’s civilizational ethos.The PM SHRI schools are the living embodiment of this vision. These exemplar schools represent the future of Indian education featuring smart classrooms, Atal Tinkering and Innovation Labs, digital and experiential learning, libraries, eco-friendly campuses, vocational and skill hubs, and inclusive spaces for every child. They actively promote arts, culture, sports, and environmental stewardship, nurturing creativity, confidence, and character. In essence, PM SHRI schools blend modernity with moral strength, technology with tradition, and innovation with inclusion.
To oppose such visionary initiatives is not to critique policy; it is to stand against the very idea of an India that no longer needs approval from old political dynasties to educate its children. Perhaps the discomfort stems from the fact that for decades, education was reduced to political rhetoric and neglect. Now that reforms are actually being implemented, it is convenient for some to feign outrage rather than acknowledge success.If empowering children with innovation, critical thinking, and pride in Bharat’s heritage is “ideological,” then yes, the ideology is nation-building.”
Worth mentioning Priyanka while interacting with presser said, “The NEP and PM SHRI have been brought in by the BJP government to brainwash children according to their own ideology.They have inserted so many factual inaccuracies, removed and changed a lot of historical data, and ideologically it's entirely leaning one way. That's not healthy for children's education. They should have a large perspective, and if they have different ideologies, they should all be educated about them to ensure they are aware of them, she said.
“We are against it, and we oppose it. I had hoped that the state government in Kerala would have opposed it too, but I'm surprised they haven't”, Priyanka added.
