The Beginning

The National Education Policy, first framed in 1986 and subsequently modified in 1992, is due for revision in 2016. The Government of India’s stated aim in bringing a new Education Policy is to meet the changing dynamics of the population’s requirement with regards to quality education, innovation and research, aiming to make India a knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge and to eliminate the shortage of manpower in science, technology, academics and industry. The government has sought suggestions on inputs to the draft policy by July 31st, 2016.

 

Shikshagiri believes that children, the primary beneficiaries of any education policy, are the ones more likely to be left out of the policymaking process. Shikshagiri recognises this gap and brings together children from different parts of the country to look at the inputs to the policy from the lens of their experience.

 

The children belong to different caste and religious backgrounds – such as religious and caste minorities, Dalits, children with disability, children from varied educational experiences – such as students of government schools as well as private schools.  Do read more about our panelists.

 

The Journey

Shikshagiri has, since, seen several editions, where children from varied lived experiences have come together to influence policies. Such processes have subsequently been replicated in states such as Bihar, Delhi, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.