UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY201675 Marks
Q10.

Make a précis of the following passage in about one-third of its length. Do not give a title to it. The précis should be written in your own language.

How to Approach

This question tests language skills, specifically comprehension and conciseness. The key is to identify the core arguments and supporting details of the passage and re-express them in approximately one-third the original length. Focus on maintaining the author's intent and tone while eliminating redundancy and less crucial information. Structure the précis logically, mirroring the original passage's flow. Avoid direct lifting of sentences; paraphrase extensively. The absence of a title requirement emphasizes the focus on summarizing content, not creating a new perspective.

Model Answer

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Introduction

A précis is a concise summary of a longer work, capturing its essential ideas and arguments in a condensed form. It demands a thorough understanding of the original text and the ability to distill its core message without introducing personal opinions or interpretations. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a landmark policy aiming to transform India’s education system, presents numerous implementation challenges, ranging from infrastructural deficits to pedagogical shifts and financial constraints. A précis of a detailed analysis of these challenges would need to encapsulate the key hurdles and proposed solutions.

The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 faces significant obstacles despite its ambitious goals. A central challenge lies in the substantial infrastructural gaps across the country, particularly in rural areas. These gaps include a lack of adequate classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and digital infrastructure, hindering the policy’s vision of equitable access to quality education.

Financial Constraints and Resource Allocation

Financial limitations pose a major impediment. While the NEP advocates for increased public investment in education – aiming for 6% of GDP – current spending remains significantly below this target. Effective resource allocation is also crucial; funds must be directed towards addressing infrastructural deficits, teacher training, and curriculum development. The policy’s emphasis on multidisciplinary education requires substantial investment in creating new courses and facilities.

Teacher Training and Capacity Building

A critical component of the NEP is the upskilling and reskilling of teachers. The policy envisions a continuous professional development framework, but implementing this requires significant investment in teacher training programs and ensuring their accessibility to all educators, especially those in remote areas. The shift towards competency-based learning necessitates a change in pedagogical approaches, demanding comprehensive training for teachers.

Curriculum Reform and Implementation

The proposed curriculum reforms, including the introduction of a 5+3+3+4 structure and a focus on experiential learning, present implementation challenges. Developing new curricula, textbooks, and assessment methods requires considerable time and expertise. Ensuring alignment between the national curriculum framework and state-level curricula is also essential for seamless implementation.

Equity and Inclusion

Addressing existing inequalities in access to education remains a paramount concern. The NEP aims to promote equity and inclusion through various measures, such as providing scholarships and support to disadvantaged groups. However, effectively reaching these groups and ensuring their participation requires targeted interventions and a robust monitoring mechanism.

Governance and Coordination

Effective implementation requires strong coordination between various stakeholders, including the central government, state governments, educational institutions, and civil society organizations. Establishing clear lines of responsibility and accountability is crucial. The establishment of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) is a step towards improved governance, but its effectiveness will depend on its autonomy and ability to coordinate with state-level regulatory bodies.

Challenges in Higher Education

  • Autonomy vs. Regulation: Balancing institutional autonomy with the need for quality assurance and regulation is a key challenge.
  • Research Funding: Increasing investment in research and development is crucial for improving the quality of higher education.
  • Internationalization: Attracting international students and faculty requires creating a conducive environment and addressing visa-related issues.

The successful implementation of NEP 2020 hinges on overcoming these multifaceted challenges through sustained commitment, adequate funding, and effective coordination. A phased approach, coupled with continuous monitoring and evaluation, is essential for ensuring that the policy’s transformative vision is realized.

Conclusion

In essence, the NEP 2020, while promising, faces substantial hurdles in its implementation. These range from financial constraints and infrastructural deficits to the need for extensive teacher training and curriculum reform. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, prioritizing equitable access, quality assurance, and effective governance. A pragmatic, phased approach, coupled with continuous monitoring, is vital to translate the policy’s ambitious goals into tangible outcomes and truly revolutionize India’s education landscape.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Précis
A précis is a concise summary of a text, retaining the author’s ideas and tone in a condensed form, typically about one-third the length of the original.
Competency-Based Learning
An educational approach that focuses on demonstrating mastery of specific skills and knowledge rather than simply completing coursework. It emphasizes practical application and real-world relevance.

Key Statistics

As of 2023-24, the total expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP in India was approximately 4.4% (Provisional Estimates, Ministry of Finance).

Source: Ministry of Finance, Government of India

According to the Unified District Information System for Education+ (UDISE+) 2022-23, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the secondary level in India is 78.7%.

Source: UDISE+, Ministry of Education

Examples

Finland’s Education System

Finland’s highly successful education system, known for its emphasis on equity and teacher quality, serves as a model for many countries, including India. It demonstrates the importance of investing in teacher training and providing equal opportunities for all students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 6% of GDP target for education expenditure?

The NEP 2020 recommends increasing public investment in education to 6% of GDP, aiming to provide adequate resources for implementing the policy’s various initiatives and improving the quality of education.

Topics Covered

Language SkillsGeneral StudiesComprehensionSummarizationWriting