Discussion on new education policy soon: Irani

Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the government planned to discuss the new education policy with various stakeholders within time-frame, and also visit villages to listen to people in this regard.

"In a new year, we plan to start discussion on the new education policy. How will this new education be, whether higher or school, we will discuss and decide the themes within both the departments," Irani said at the conference of education ministers/secretaries of states and union territories on 'Choice Based Credit System in Higher Education and Credit Framework for Skills.

Then discussions would be initiated on those themes at the village education council and also at the block, district, state, zonal and regional level within a timeline, she added.

Irani said the policy would be thought-out keeping in mind the requirements 10 years from now in the field of education.

She also stressed that instructions would not be "dictated" by the ministry in Delhi, instead officials, and she was ready to visit states to listen the people's concerns and plan the way ahead.

"You (states) tell us which village you want us to visit and listen to people on the new education policy; we are ready to come at your doorstep to listen to your concerns," she told the audience.

Irani said that the government would want to listen to those who are affected the most by the education policy, but are not consulted while framing it, adding that it was something which was never done before.

The minister added that the government was also planning to hold a workshop in February to see how a discussion can take place in this regard at the grassroot level.

"And if we can help better the education policy, then it would be our biggest service to the nation," she said.