SC To Hear PIL For Implementation Of National Education Policy In 3 States

Supreme Court lawyer GS Mani on March 6, filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, urging the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal.

The PIL specifically requests that these states adopt the three-language curriculum, a key feature of NEP.

The Supreme Court is expected to decide on this PIL

NEP Implementation Request

The PIL stresses that the failure or refusal of state governments to implement the NEP or sign a memorandum of understanding could harm the public interest and violate citizens’ rights.

The petition highlights the opposition faced by the NEP from the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal, who have consistently rejected the policy, particularly the three-language formula.

The petition further emphasizes the need for providing free education in all Indian languages to children from marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and economically weaker sections (EWS).

The PIL argues that these state governments refuse to accept the three-language formula for political reasons, hindering equal educational opportunities for all children.

State Governments’ Stance

The petition also highlights that state governments must constitutionally implement national laws, schemes, and policies, and failing to do so undermines national unity and children’s right to education.

The PIL asserts that rejecting the NEP deprives children of their fundamental right to free education, guaranteed by the Constitution.

NEP’s Impact On Education

The NEP, introduced by the central government in July 2020 after 34 years, aims to modernize the Indian education system.

Educators, states, and various stakeholders developed the policy under the leadership of space scientist Dr. Kasturirangan.

The NEP aims to address the evolving needs of the 21st century, focusing on a holistic approach to education.

The NEP had initially implemented in Karnataka, but the state government reversed its decision after the Congress party took office.

The PIL highlights that such policy reversals and non-implementation across other states could lead to unequal educational opportunities for students in the country.

The Supreme Court’s decision on this PIL could have significant implications on the future of the National Education Policy’s implementation across India.

The outcome may also set a precedent for how the rights of students in these states are addressed in light of the NEP’s national goals.

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