Alternative System of Education

The present National Curriculum Framework (NCF-2005) takes care of any new development and concern in the school level education system. Addressing these concerns, the NCF–2005 follows five guiding principles i.e. (i) connecting knowledge to life outside the school, (ii) ensuring that learning is shifted away from rote methods, (iii) enriching the curriculum to provide for overall development of children rather than remain text book centric, (iv) making examinations more flexible and integrated into classroom life and, (v) nurturing an over-riding identity informed by caring concerns within the democratic polity of the country.

Various curriculum materials developed by the NCERT provide children opportunities to bring experiences in the classroom and also provide scope of infusing arts, heritage craft and work across the subjects at all levels. This helps in developing sensitivity towards all culture. Cultural aspects in education are an integral part of school curriculum at all the stages.

However, The National Policy on Education 1986, as amended in 1992, has been the guiding document for the policies of the Central Government in the education sector. The Government has been following National Policy on Education 1986, as modified in 1992, which provides for National System of Education implying that up to a given level, all students, irrespective of caste, creed, location or sex, have access to education of a comparable quality. The National System of Education envisages a common educational structure.

This information was given by the Union Human Resource Development Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani in a written reply to the Lok Sabha question.