Equality and Equity in Nation Policy of Education (1986)

National Policy on Education (1986) lays special emphasis on the removed of disparities and to equalize educational opportunities by attending to the specific needs of those who have been denied equality so far. In the National Policy on Education the following provisions have been made in order to achieve the target of equality and equity in education:

Women Education

Education will be used as an agent of basic change in the status of women. The National Education System will pay a positive rile in the empowerment of women. Under the New Education Policy, the expansion of women education has been emphasized. Eradication of women’s illiteracy will receive top-priority. Major emphasis will be placed on women’s participation in technical, vocational and professional courses at different levels. Thus the age old gap between technical and vocational curriculum of boys and girls will be removed and they will be provided opportunities for technical, vocational and professional education on the basis of equality and equity.

Education of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

The central focus in the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes educational development is their equalization with the non-scheduled castes and non-scheduled tribes population at all stages and levels of education, in all areas and dimensions. The measures contemplated for this purpose include provision of free equation, free food, free clothes, scholarships and hostel facilities. Non-formal and adult educating programmes may also be arranged for such cases.

Other Educationally Backward Sections and Areas

Suitable incentives will be provided to all educationally backward sections of society, particularly in the rural areas. Hilly and desert district districts, remote and inaccessible areas and islands will be provided institutional infra- structure.

Education of Minorities

Some minority groups are educationally deprived. Greater attention will be paid to the education of these groups in the interests of equality and social justice. This will include the constitutional guarantees given to them to establish and administer their own educational institutions, and protection to their languages and culture.

Education of the Handicapped

Mentally and physically handicapped children will be encouraged to get education so that they may effectively participate in the activities of the community. Children with motor handicaps and other mild handicaps will be imparted education with that of others. They will also be given vocational education. Provision of special schools and hostels will be made for the severely handicapped children. There will be reorientation of teacher- training programmes to deal with the special difficulties of the handicapped children.

Promotion of Adult and Continuing Education

The whole nation must pledge itself to the eradication of illiteracy, particularly in the 15-35 age-group. A vast programme of adult and continuing education will be implemented through various ways and channels like the following:

  • Strengthening the existing programmes of adult and continuing education.
  • Setting up continuing education centres especially in rural areas.
  • Education of workers through their employers, trade unions and concerned agencies of government.
  • Using radio, television and films, as mass and group learning media.
  • Creation of learners’ groups organizations.
  • Providing post secondary educational institutions on a large scale.
  • Providing books, libraries and reading rooms on a large scale.
  • Publishing useful books and distributing them property.
  • Organizing vocational training programmes based on need and interest.

Thus, Education has been considered as a universal human right. Equality and equity in education is directly related to democratic development, establishment of egalitarian society, socialistic pattern of society, economic development, nation’s development and to accelerate the process of modernization. Free, Compulsory and Universal Education, Operation Black board, Diversification Curriculum and Vocationalistion of Education, access to higher education on the basis of merit, DIETS, Navodaya Vidyalayas, Distance Education, and Continuing and Adult Education, Open Universities, National Literacy Mission, Education through Radio and Television are efforts to bring equality and equity in education. Moreover, provisions and programmes for education for equality namely education for women’s equality, education of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other educationally backward sections and areas, education of minorities, education of the handicapped, and adult and continuing education will be helpful in achieving the target of equality and equity in education.

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