The Karnataka State Government has decided to remove the NEP (National Education Policy) 2020 from the state. The State Government will introduce its ‘Karnataka Education Policy’ next year. The information was shared by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Speaking to the media today, Mr. Shivakumar said, “We have studied several aspects of the National Education Policy passed by the BJP and decided to withdraw it. We will bring a new Karnataka education policy next year.” Since its formation, the State Government has had a tussle with the Central Government in almost every policy implemented by the union. The Congress government believed that the previous BJP government with the help of the Central Government imposed the agenda of RSS through this education model. 

Dep. CM Shivakumar said the matter was a State matter, “Our State always played a very important role in education. We have a strong presence in human resources because we are a capital of knowledge. We have the most international schools, top schools, engineering colleges, medical colleges and nursing schools. We have developed our system to provide quality education. We stood out across the country. So, today we looked at all these aspects and decided to reject the National Education Policy (NEP) passed by the BJP government. We will implement the new education policy of Karnataka from next year.” According to the Congress, this is not National Education Policy, this is Nagpur Education Policy.  

BJP MP and National Youth Wing president Tejaswi Surya said, “Congress decision to end NEP in Karnataka reflects their intentions to stop the growth of Kannada; prevent students from getting academic marks; stop interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to education.” “CM Siddaramaiah needs to think again before taking such political decisions and save the children from his petty politics. It is unfortunate that despite having so many ‘advisers’ Karnataka and especially the children have to go through this decision level and suffer under this government,” he added.

A few days ago Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also expressed his disbelief in the Central Government and its education policy, he said that the government wants the saffronisation of the education system by promoting the agenda of RSS. Implementation of SEP (State Education Policy) was a part of our election manifesto and we are looking forward to fulfilling our promises. We also undo the changes that were made in the syllabus. In August 2021, the Basavraj Bommai-led BJP government implemented the NEP in higher education and became the first state to adopt the policy.