The NEP envisages the setting up of
National Research Foundation
Understanding the National Education Policy (NEP)
The National Education Policy (NEP) is a comprehensive framework aimed at guiding the development of education in India. It covers various aspects of the education system, from early childhood education to higher education and research. A key focus of the NEP is to promote research and innovation across disciplines.
NEP's Focus on Research and Innovation
To strengthen the research ecosystem within the country, the NEP proposes the establishment of a specific entity. This entity is envisioned to fund, mentor, and build capacities for quality research, especially in universities and colleges. Its goal is to create a culture of research and make India a global leader in research and innovation.
Exploring the Proposed Foundation
The National Education Policy (NEP) document outlines the need for setting up a dedicated foundation to catalyze and energize research and innovation. This foundation is intended to act as an independent body that provides merit-based peer-reviewed research funding, seeds research in State Universities and colleges, and links research to relevant government ministries, industry, and other organizations. It aims to ensure that the total investment in research and innovation increases significantly.
Based on the proposals in the NEP, the entity that is envisaged to be set up is the:
- National Research Foundation
This foundation is designed to encompass all disciplines, including sciences, technology, social sciences, arts, and humanities. It will work to make research more accessible and integrated into the higher education system.
Purpose of the National Research Foundation (NRF)
The primary purposes of the proposed National Research Foundation (NRF) include:
- Funding competitive, peer-reviewed research proposals across all domains.
- Creating a pipeline of researchers through appropriate training and mentoring programs.
- Acting as a liaison between researchers and relevant stakeholders, including government and industry.
- Building a database of research carried out in the country.
- Promoting collaboration among institutions and researchers.
The establishment of the NRF is seen as a critical step towards transforming India's research landscape and integrating research with education more effectively, as envisioned by the National Education Policy (NEP).
Revision Table: Key NEP Provisions
| Provision Area | NEP Goal/Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Research & Innovation | Establishment of National Research Foundation (NRF) |
| Higher Education Structure | Move towards large multidisciplinary universities/colleges |
| Regulation | Single regulator for higher education (except legal & medical) |
| Access & Equity | Increased Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), focus on disadvantaged groups |
Additional Information: Structure of NRF
While the exact operational structure would be detailed upon implementation, the NEP proposes that the National Research Foundation (NRF) will be governed independently by a Board of Governors consisting of top researchers and innovators across disciplines. It would function independently of the government but would work closely with relevant ministries and organizations. The focus is on funding quality research based purely on merit, regardless of the institution's type.
The NRF is expected to absorb and merge the roles of existing grant-giving bodies for research and innovation, making the funding process more streamlined and effective across the diverse research landscape in India.
Important Questions from National Policy on Education (NPE)
According to NEP- 20 the primary activities of the NRF will be to
(A) Fund competitive peer reviewed grant proposals of all types across all disciplines.
(B) Open new institutions of research and innovation.
(C) Act as a liason between researchers and relevant branches of government as well as industry.
(D) Include research in curriculum at school level.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: National Education Policy 2020 recommends the abolition of the system of affiliation of colleges in the higher education system.
Statement II: National Education Policy 2020 recommends strengthening and empowering the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE).
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
According to the National Education Policy (2020) all affiliated colleges would eventually transform into degree awarding autonomous colleges over a period of
Given below are two statements
Statement I: According to National Education Policy ( 2020 ) the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) is to be enhanced to 50% by 2030.
Statement II: Distance mode education is going to play a crucial role in enhancing GER in India.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The National Education Policy 2020 envisages that the extant 10 + 2 structure in School Education will be modified with a new pedagogical and curricular restructuring of 5 + 4 + 4 + 3 covering ages 3 - 18.
Statement II: The National Education policy 2020 envisages, that prior to the age of 5 every child will move to a "Preparatory class" or "Balvatika", which has an ECCE. qualified teacher.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
