Kerala clears air: NEP 2020 not approved, panel only reviewed UG programme

The Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) has officially dismissed reports claiming that a committee appointed by the council recommended or approved the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state. In a statement issued on Thursday, council vice-chairperson Achuthsankar S. Nair clarified that the committee's mandate was limited to suggesting immediate corrections and modifications to the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP), which has been in effect in Kerala for the past three years.

Dr. Nair emphasised that the committee holds no authority to make policy decisions, including any related to the adoption of the NEP 2020. He explained that an interim report submitted by the committee has been placed on the agenda for discussion at the KSHEC executive committee meeting scheduled for Friday. The report will only become an official document after it receives approval from the decision-making body, he added.

The clarification comes amid growing speculation and misinformation regarding the status of the NEP in Kerala. The state has been a vocal opponent of the policy, which was introduced by the central government in 2020. Kerala's political leadership has repeatedly expressed reservations about several provisions of the NEP, citing concerns over federalism, language policy, and the potential impact on the state's education system.

According to Dr. Nair, only the structural aspects of the NEP are currently being implemented in Kerala. These include the shift to the FYUGP, which aligns with the NEP's framework for undergraduate education. However, he stressed that the state's political leadership has already made its position clear on the other aspects of the policy, and no change in that position has been considered or discussed.

The KSHEC's statement aims to put an end to rumours that the state is quietly moving toward full implementation of the NEP. The council has urged the public and media to rely on official communications rather than unverified reports. The executive committee's decision on the interim report will be crucial in determining the next steps for the FYUGP in Kerala.

Education analysts note that the FYUGP has faced implementation challenges, including concerns about curriculum design, examination reforms, and faculty training. The committee's recommendations are expected to address these issues while ensuring that the programme remains aligned with Kerala's educational priorities.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between the central government's push for a uniform education policy and the resistance from some state governments. Kerala has maintained that education is a concurrent subject and that states must have the flexibility to adapt policies to their local needs.

As the KSHEC executive committee meets on Friday, all eyes will be on the outcome. The council's clarification serves as a reminder that policy decisions in a democratic framework require due process and should not be rushed through committees without proper authority.