Over 1 crore students in Uttar Pradesh to be equipped with 21st-century skills as per new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad officials have announced that they will equip over 1 crore students of classes 9 to 12, studying in around 28,000 schools recognized by them, with 21st-century skills. This is being done to comply with the provisions of the new National Education Policy 2020. The board will organise a state-level workshop in various schools across the state and identify the necessary 21st-century skills, and activities will be based on them. These activities will be included in the academic calendar of session 2023-24 so that all students can benefit from them.
The Secretary of UP Board, Divyakant Shukla, emphasised that communication skills, logical thinking, creativity, leadership, initiative, cooperative behaviour, teamwork, and other key 21st-century skills will be inculcated in students. When properly nurtured, these competencies will give them an advantage over their counterparts when it comes to pursuing higher education and facing interviews. The aim of the skill development framework is to make students responsible and successful citizens while preparing them to face the challenges of the current scenario and industry needs. Equipping students with the necessary skills will enable them to carve a niche for themselves when it comes to employment opportunities.
The officials reiterated that 21st-century skills are essential competencies that every student should possess to adjust better to their time and environment and move forward successfully in life. The board’s initiative to equip students with these skills is commendable and will go a long way in creating a bright future for the students of Uttar Pradesh.
According to the Prime Minister, the necessity of students having 21st-century skills was emphasised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also discussed how the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 will support students’ overall growth. Through the creation of a national curriculum framework, the NEP-2020 seeks to streamline the curriculum, concentrate on key ideas, and create a fun learning environment. The prime minister identifies communication, teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking as the five important skills for the twenty-first century. He thanked educators for their participation in implementing the NEP-2020 and urged them to continue working together to ensure its effective execution. Additionally, he emphasised the significance of traditional art and craftsmanship, encouraging students to learn and join those industries in the future.
