New education policy not to infringe states' rights: Prakash Javadekar

There is no proposal for holding morning prayers in schools in the draft education policy, the government said on Thursday, allaying apprehensions that it would infringe on the rights of the states.

Replying to a question whether the new policy proposes morning prayers, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said there is no such proposal.

To another question on whether the new policy would encroach upon the states' rights, he said, "It is not taking away powers of states. Rather, we are working with them as partners. The attempt is to make the education system better and improve its quality."

"The last education policy was made in 1986 and implemented in 1992. That is why there is need for a good policy that would take the country forward. We have come out with the draft education policy after holding several rounds of discussions across the country," he informed the Rajya Sabha.

"Suggestions were invited from all on it till July 31, but we want that all MPs should also make their suggestions on the draft policy and we would be ready to accept them till August 15," he said during the Question Hour.

Replying to members' concerns on whether the new policy would affect missionary schools, Javadekar said, "Any institution working within rules need not worry at all. We will appreciate the good role played by such institutions."

He, however, preferred not to reply to a specific query on saffronisation of education, which was made by some Congress and Left members in the presence of the Prime Minister.

Education is an issue that concerns everyone and should be made a national mission, he said, adding, "The government would welcome suggestions of all MPs, which we would accept till August 15."