Need of National Education Policy 2020: Addressing the Constitutional and Pedagogical Gaps in Indian Education
Author(s): Parveen Ahlawat, Sonia
DOI: 10.54660/STMJRD.2026.09.05.17-19
Abstract:
The National Education Policy 2020 was introduced after a gap of 34 years to address systemic inadequacies in access, equity, quality, and governance that persisted under the National Policy on Education 1986. This paper examines the constitutional, legal, and pedagogical compulsions that necessitated NEP 2020. Using doctrinal analysis of policy documents, judicial pronouncements, and empirical data from ASER and NAS, the study argues that NEP 2020 was required to operationalize Article 21A of the Constitution more comprehensively, align Indian education with Sustainable Development Goal 4, and reverse declining learning outcomes. The policys emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, multilingualism, and restructuring of regulatory architecture represents a paradigm shift from the input-centric RTE regime to an outcome-oriented developmental framework. The paper concludes that while NEP 2020 fulfills a long-felt need, its success depends on statutory amendment of the RTE Act 2009 and coordinated federal implementation.
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How to cite this article:
Ahlawat, P., & Sonia. (2026). Need of national education policy 2020: Addressing the constitutional and pedagogical gaps in Indian education. The Scholars Time: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Research and Development. 09 (05). 17-19.