NPE 1986 Thrusts: Detailed Analysis

The National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986, was a significant policy document that aimed to guide the development of the education system in India. It sought to address various aspects of education, from elementary to higher education, and vocational training. Let's examine the key thrusts mentioned in the options concerning NPE, 1986:

Analyzing Option A: State Level Planning and Coordination

State level planning and coordination through state council for higher education was indeed a major focus of NPE, 1986. The policy emphasized the need for strengthening state-level mechanisms for planning, coordination, and quality assurance in higher education. State Councils for Higher Education (SCHEs) were proposed to achieve this objective, promoting decentralized planning and management.

Analyzing Option B: Expansion of Open Universities

Expansion of open universities and distance education system was another cornerstone of NPE, 1986. Recognizing the need to enhance access to education, particularly higher education, the policy strongly advocated for the growth and strengthening of institutions like open universities and the distance education mode. This aimed to cater to a wider population, including those in remote areas or those unable to attend traditional institutions.

Analyzing Option C: Establishment of PARAKH

The Establishment of National Assessment Centre PARAKH is incorrect in the context of NPE, 1986. PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge) was established as an institution under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) much later, as part of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. NPE, 1986 did not include the establishment of PARAKH.

Analyzing Option D: Autonomous Status for Colleges

Conferring autonomous status on selected colleges was a key recommendation of NPE, 1986. The policy aimed to foster academic excellence and innovation by granting autonomy to selected institutions. This autonomy was intended to allow colleges greater flexibility in curriculum design, examination, and research, thereby improving the quality of higher education.

Analyzing Option E: Establishment of MERUs

The Establishment of two multidisciplinary education and research universities (MERU) in each state was not a specific or primary thrust explicitly mentioned in the NPE, 1986 document in this particular form. While NPE, 1986 did focus on improving the quality of higher education and promoting research, the specific proposal of MERUs in each state is not a direct feature of that policy. Ideas related to creating high-quality research institutions have evolved over time, with later policies potentially exploring similar concepts.

Conclusion on NPE 1986 Thrusts

Based on the analysis, the major thrusts of the National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986, among the given options, were:

• A. State level planning and coordination through state council for higher education
• B. Expansion of open universities and distance education system
• D. Conferring autonomous status on selected colleges

Therefore, the option correctly identifying these thrusts is A, B, and D.