NEP 2020 is not just a policy document; it is a roadmap to build an inclusive, innovative, and equitable education system that empowers every child to realize their full potential- Mr Sanjay Kumar, IAS; Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education
Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, addressed key stakeholders at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, emphasizing the pivotal role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in transforming India’s education landscape.
He highlighted that while NEP 2020 provides a comprehensive framework for improving access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability in education, the real challenge lies in its effective implementation across states and regions. He stressed the need for collective efforts from government, industry, educators and civil society to ensure the policy’s vision reaches every child.
Focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy, teacher training, multilingual education, and technology integration, Mr. Kumar underscored these as key pillars to improve learning outcomes and reduce dropout rates. He also highlighted the importance of tracking student progress through innovative digital tools to support personalized learning interventions.
Talking about AI, he stated that the government is introducing AI into school curricula and higher education and a Centre of Excellence in Education will be established by the Government soon.
Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Past President, CII & Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises Ltd. noted that the National Education Policy goes beyond academic circles, engaging educators, students and parents alike. Emphasizing foundational literacy, early childhood education, teacher training and technology integration, he called the shift away from rote learning towards hands-on, experiential education a significant step forward. He acknowledged the increasing role of digital platforms and flexible learning models, including the Academic Bank of Credits and the push for R&D through the National Research Foundation.
Dr B V R Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman, Cyient Ltd emphasized the changing nature of academic research in India. Rarely has research translated into productive, scalable outcomes. But this is beginning to change. Initiatives such as the Quality Improvement Programme (QIP), and now successive versions of the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), are bringing industry and academia together in a meaningful way.” Dr. Reddy underscored that monetizing research and innovation is crucial for national progress. “When academic research is aligned with industry needs, it becomes impactful and creates real economic and social value,” he said.
Describing the theme of the Summit – "Renaissance of Education in India post NEP" – as both timely and symbolic, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi reminded the audience of India’s historical legacy as a global hub of learning. “The world’s first international universities, like Takshashila and Nalanda, were Indian,” he noted. Further stressed that to truly transform India’s higher education landscape, industry and academia must work together more closely. “The nature of knowledge and skills is rapidly changing. We must jointly anticipate the needs of future graduates and co-create solutions that are relevant and impactful.
Dr Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive & Secretary, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) emphasized that while curriculum design is primarily guided by national institutions such as NCERT, the successful implementation of NEP 2020 requires close collaboration between school boards, administrators, teachers, and the wider education ecosystem. He stressed the need for translating curriculum reforms into meaningful classroom practices. He noted that the lack of teacher capacity remains the most critical challenge. He underscored the importance of early identification of student learning gaps and strengths, supporting every learner through personalized interventions.
Prof Ananya Mukherjee, Vice Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University underscored the pivotal role of private universities in advancing the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and in creating future-ready graduates who are not just employable but are prepared to lead societal transformation. She noted that NEP has also enhanced the credibility of private universities and helped normalize models like credit-based learning, academic credit banking, and interdisciplinary education. She stated that we must broaden the definition of employability beyond industry placements. Our goal is to enable graduates to pursue meaningful careers of their choice—and more importantly, to become leaders who can lead change in any context.”
Towards the end, the panel discussed the AI and digital technologies that are rapidly transforming the way of accessing and delivering education.
The overarching message was clear that Artificial Intelligence is here to stay and must be embraced thoughtfully. It must be used wisely to enhance learning, build skills and prepare students for the future. Educators, policymakers and stakeholders must collaborate to leverage AI responsibly and equitably across the education ecosystem.
29 May 2025
New Delhi