Hyderabad: The implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) in Telangana is gaining momentum. Discussions among school teachers suggest that the NEP might be introduced in the state in the next academic year, which begins in 2025.
According to sources, many states in India, such as Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra, have already adopted the NEP. However, Telangana has not yet implemented this new system. High-level meetings have been taking place for the past few weeks among officials from the Telangana education department to discuss the way forward.
The NEP proposes a new structure for schooling, known as the 5+3+3+4 system. Currently, Telangana has separate systems for school and intermediate education, but the NEP aims to bring these systems together. This integration presents some challenges for the state.
Ravinder, a math teacher at Government High School, Musheerabad, mentioned that higher authorities are discussing the implementation of the NEP. He pointed out potential issues, such as whether primary classes (first and second grades) will be merged with Anganwadi programs or if Anganwadi will be included in government schools. He explained that Anganwadi teachers are not trained for elementary education, while private schools already have trained second-grade teachers. For the new education system to work effectively, the state will need proper facilities, administration, and academic structures in place.
Sravani, a private school teacher, stressed the urgent need for Telangana to adopt the NEP for the benefit of students. She noted that most states have already implemented the policy, and the state government should find ways to ensure smooth educational continuity. She suggested that the government introduce the NEP in phases to minimize potential disruptions.
S. Madhusudhan, President of the Telangana Recognised School Management Association, praised the NEP for its focus on developing students’ skills rather than just relying on memorization. He explained that the current system emphasizes scoring marks and GPAs, but students are missing out on important skills like critical thinking, creativity, and communication. The NEP also calls for the creation of an autonomous standards authority to regulate both government and private schools, which Madhusudhan believes is necessary to improve the quality of education.
Some teachers and members of TRSMA (Telangana Recognised School Management Association) also highlighted the need for awareness programs before the NEP is implemented. They believe it is important for parents to understand the new policy and how it will benefit students in the long term.
