Salient Features of NEP, 2020

Salient Features of NEP, 2020

The National Education Policy 2020 was unveiled on July 29, 2020. The National Education Policy 2020 makes a number of changes to both higher education and secondary education, including technical education. The National Education Policy 2020 lists a number of action items/activities that should be implemented in both higher education and schooling.

The following are specifics of NEP 2020’s key features:

• Ensuring universal access at all educational levels, from preschool to grade 12;

• Ensuring that all children between the ages of 0 and 3 receive high-quality early care and education;

• New Pedagogical and Curricular Framework (5+3+3+4);

• There are no clear distinctions between the humanities and sciences, academic and extracurricular pursuits, or career paths;

• Launching a national initiative on basic literacy and numeracy;

• Promoting multilingualism and Indian languages as a priority; The home language, mother tongue, local language, or regional language will be used as the primary medium of teaching until at least Grade 5, but ideally until Grade 8 and beyond.

• Assessment reforms, including up to two Board Exams per school year, one for the main exam and one for improvement, if requested;

• The establishment of the PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) National Assessment Center;

• Educational equity and inclusion, with a focus on Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs);

• Special Education Zones and a specific gender inclusion fund for underprivileged areas and groups;

• Effective and open procedures for hiring teachers and performance evaluations based on merit;

• Ensuring that all resources are accessible via school complexes and clusters;

•State School Standards Authority (SSSA) establishment 

• Promotion of vocational education throughout the K–12 and tertiary systems of instruction;

• raising GER to 50% in higher education;

• Multidisciplinary, all-encompassing education with numerous points of access and departure;

• NTA will conduct a Common Entrance Exam for HEI Admission;

• The founding of an academic bank of credit

•Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs) establishment ;

•The National Research Foundation (NRF) was established.

•”Light yet Tight” regulation 

• The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), a single overarching umbrella organisation, with independent bodies for standard setting (the General Education Council), funding (the Higher Education Grants Council), accreditation (the National Accreditation Council [NAC]), and regulation (the National Higher Education Regulatory Council [NHERC]), is responsible for promoting the higher education sector, including teacher education but excluding medical and legal education;

• Growing open and distant education to boost the gross enrollment ratio (GER).

• Globalization in Education

• The higher education system will include professional education as a core component. The goal of institutions in these and other sectors, including independent technical universities, law schools, medical schools, and agricultural colleges, is to become multidisciplinary institutions.

• 4-year integrated stage- and subject-specific teacher education degree in education

• Creating a National Mentoring Mission.

•The establishment of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), an independent organisation that would serve as a forum for the unrestricted discussion of ways to use technology to improve instruction, evaluation, planning, and administration.

•The appropriate use of technology in all educational levels.

•Objectives Reaching 100% adult and juvenile literacy.

• The commercialization of higher education will be fought and stopped by a number of methods with checks and balances.

• As a “not for profit” company, all educational institutions will be held to the same standards of audit and disclosure.

• The Center and the States will collaborate to boost public spending on education so that it reaches 6% of GDP as soon as possible.

• The Central Advisory Board of Education should be strengthened to maintain coordination and to put more of an emphasis on quality education overall.

By 2030, the NEP, 2020 aims to raise the GER in preschool through secondary education to 100%, while it will rise from 26.3% in 2018 to 50% in higher education, including vocational education.

Fiscal Deficit

 

Fiscal Deficit

Fiscal deficit is the difference between the government’s total expenditure and the total non debt creating receipts. Revenue receipts, recoveries of loan and other receipts are all non debt creating. The government doesn’t have to borrow to generate these sources of income. Revenue receipts include both tax and non tax revenue of the government of India. Tax revenue means revenue that government gets by collecting taxes like personal income tax, corporate tax and goods and services tax. Non tax revenue include stamp duty and dividends earned from public sector units. Dividend is the return on capital invested by the government in PSU’s. Fiscal deficit arises when the government has expenditure higher than the revenue it generates. To bridge this expenditure revenue deficit government starts borrowing. This borrowing is called Fiscal Deficit. Fiscal deficit is usually expressed in terms of percentage of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A high and rising Fiscal deficit is bad for the general state of the economy, trade balance and currency exchange rates. A high fiscal deficit means that the governments borrowing are high. When the government borrows money from the general public , it creates demand for money. A high fiscal deficit can be dangerous it affect general economic activity it will reduce business and economic activity. It will reduce income and employment generation. It lead to reduction of exchange rates and rises the trade deficit.

International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer : 16th September.

The world observes September 16th as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer or World Ozone Day. The day marks the anniversary of the Montreal Protocol which was signed to keep in check Ozone depleting substances. On this day, people from all over the world hold talks and seminars on the ozone layer.  Educators teach students about the benefits of the Ozone layer and special events and activities are organised to spread awareness.

The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet. Ozone is a protective layer that protects us from harmful radiations of the sun. It is crucial for sustaining life on this planet. Montreal Protocol was an effort countries made to collaborate and protect the ozone layer. The principal aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect ozone layer by taking measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it.

World Ozone Day 2022 Theme “Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth” is the theme of World Ozone Day 2022.

Let us understand what Ozone is and how it is being depleted.

Ozone is made up of three atoms of oxygen. It is highly reactive gas and is represented by O3. It occurs naturally as well as a man-made product in the Earth’s upper atmosphere i.e. stratosphere and lower atmosphere i.e. troposphere. The Ozone layer is present in Earth’s atmosphere (15-35km above Earth) in the lower portion of the stratosphere and has relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). Naturally, it is formed through the interactions of solar UV radiation with molecular oxygen O2. It reduces the harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface.

 The main cause of ozone depletion and the ozone hole is manufactured chemicals, especially manufactured halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and foam- blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons). Since the early 1970’s, scientists observed reduction in stratospheric ozone and it was found more prominent in Polar Regions. ODS substances have a lifetime of about 100 years.

International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer : 16th September.

The world observes September 16th as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer or World Ozone Day. The day marks the anniversary of the Montreal Protocol which was signed to keep in check Ozone depleting substances. On this day, people from all over the world hold talks and seminars on the ozone layer.  Educators teach students about the benefits of the Ozone layer and special events and activities are organised to spread awareness.

The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet. Ozone is a protective layer that protects us from harmful radiations of the sun. It is crucial for sustaining life on this planet. Montreal Protocol was an effort countries made to collaborate and protect the ozone layer. The principal aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect ozone layer by taking measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it.

World Ozone Day 2022 Theme “Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth” is the theme of World Ozone Day 2022.

Let us understand what Ozone is and how it is being depleted.

Ozone is made up of three atoms of oxygen. It is highly reactive gas and is represented by O3. It occurs naturally as well as a man-made product in the Earth’s upper atmosphere i.e. stratosphere and lower atmosphere i.e. troposphere. The Ozone layer is present in Earth’s atmosphere (15-35km above Earth) in the lower portion of the stratosphere and has relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). Naturally, it is formed through the interactions of solar UV radiation with molecular oxygen O2. It reduces the harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface.

 The main cause of ozone depletion and the ozone hole is manufactured chemicals, especially manufactured halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and foam- blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons). Since the early 1970’s, scientists observed reduction in stratospheric ozone and it was found more prominent in Polar Regions. ODS substances have a lifetime of about 100 years.

Workshop on “Interventions Required for Strengthening the PPP Ecosystem (Partners in Progress)”

 The Government of India envisions a major role of Public Private Partnership (PPP) to leverage private sector investment and operational efficiencies in the provision of affordable, qualitative, and sustainable public assets and services.

The Government of India has taken several interventions to encourage private sector investors to participate, leverage their resources, technology, and management skills to increase infrastructure investment and improve the delivery of public goods and services with a high level of efficiency and quality in light of the rising demand of infrastructure facilities.

Continuing with the interventions to encourage the private sector investment, Infrastructure Finance Secretariat, DEA with the support of British High Commission (BHC) organised a workshop on 14.9.2022, with an intent to provide a platform to the key stakeholders (specially the private players) to share their views about the current PPP landscape, their areas/ sectors of interest, and suggest interventions/initiatives required to further strengthen the current PPP ecosystem. The workshop, included sector specific sessions on Health, Education and Sports, Water Supply and Municipal Solid Waste Management, Urban Transport and Roads & Airports.

The Workshop was inaugurated by Shri Ajay Seth, Secretary, DEA, Ministry of Finance (MoF) with welcome address from Shri B Purushartha, Joint Secretary, (ISD), Infrastructure Finance Secretariat.  Special Addresses were also delivered by Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser, MoF, Ms. Sally Taylor, Minister Counsellor (Director Development, Climate, Science and Technology), and Ms. Wendy Werner, Country Head India, International Finance Corporation, World bank Group.

During the Sessions, the private players presented key issues/constraints faced by them during structuring and execution of PPP projects and suggested key interventions that may be required for enhancing private sector investments in the infrastructure sector.

The Workshop witnessed presenters  from infra sector private  players viz., Olympiados, Max Healthcare,  Apollo Hospitals,  Krsnaa Diagnostics,  Medanta,  GenWorks,  Apex Hospitals, Jindal Urban Infrastructure,  Vishwaraj Infrastructure,  VA Tec Wabag,  SUEZ India,  Re Sustainability Co.,  Tata Projects,  Abellon Green Energy,  Megha Engineering,  GreenCell Mobility,  Reliance Infrastructure Limited,  Hindustan Construction Company,  Cube Highways,  IRB Infrastructure,  GMR Infrastructure,  Noida International Airport,  Gammon India, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, and attendees from  Shapoorji Pallonji, L&T Infrastructure, PNC Infrastructure, Ashoka Buildcon, Boehringer Ingelheim, Kishan Agro Industries, Incredible Medtech LLP, Dynatom International GmbH, Innovative Technologies and Projects, Aggcon Equipments, Sekura, etc.

During the workshop Project Sponsoring Authorities (PSAs) presented successful PPP Projects executed in aforementioned sectors. Shri Manu Srivastav, Principal Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh presented successful REWA project. IDA Bihar gave a presentation on Jayaprabha Hospital on PPP mode, , Goa Waste Management Corporation presented on Solid waste management facility, Housing &Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha on Bhubaneswar Water Supply , Indore Municipal Corporation on Urban Public Transport , Pune Metro Rail Development Authority (PMRDA) on Pune Metro project , Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA)  on road projects undertaken on PPP mode  and Airport Authority of India (AAI)  on Leasing of Airports on PPP mode.

Each session was concluded by senior officials of the respective Central Infra Line Ministries wherein they assured full support from the Government in overcoming the existing challenges while implementation of PPP projects including remarks from, Shri Amit Ghosh, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Vishal Chauhan, Joint secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Kunal Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing And Urban Affairs, Smt. Rubina Ali, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Shri Vishwajeet Kumar, Director, Dept. of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.

The workshop witnessed an active participation of 150+ participants that include participants from Private sector infra players, representatives from FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM , NIIF, Senior Government officials from Central Ministries and State Governments , officials from British High Commission and International Finance Corporation and Transaction Advisers empanelled by DEA.

****

Ease of Doing Business further and reduce compliance burden on “small companies"

 The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has taken several measures in the recent past towards ease of doing business and ease of living for the corporates.  These included decriminalisation of various provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 & the LLP Act, 2008, extending fast track mergers to start ups, incentivising incorporation of One Person Companies (OPCs) etc. Earlier, definition of “small companies” under the Companies Act, 2013 was revised by increasing their thresholds for paid up capital from “not exceeding Rs 50 lakh” to “not exceeding Rs 2 crore” and turnover from “not exceeding Rs 2 crore” to “not exceeding Rs 20 crore”. This definition has, now, been further revised by increasing such thresholds for paid up Capital from “not exceeding Rs. 2 crore” to “not exceeding Rs. 4 crore” and turnover from “not exceeding Rs. 20 crore” to “not exceeding Rs. 40 crore”.

Small companies represent the entrepreneurial aspirations and innovation capabilities of lakhs of citizens and contribute to growth and employment in a significant manner. The Government has always been committed to taking measures which create a more conducive business environment for law-abiding companies, including reduction of compliance burden on such companies.

Some of the benefits of reduction in compliance burden as a result of the revised definition for small companies are as under:

  • No need to prepare cash flow statement as part of financial statement.
  • Advantage of preparing and filing an Abridged Annual Return.
  • Mandatory rotation of auditor not required.
  • An Auditor of a small company is not required to report on the adequacy of the internal financial controls and its operating effectiveness in the auditor’s report.
  • Holding of only two board meetings in a year.
  • Annual Return of the company can be signed by the company secretary, or where there is no company secretary, by a director of the company.
  • Lesser penalties for small companies.

The relevant notification issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs is available on the Ministry’s website at the following link:

https://www.mca.gov.in/bin/dms/getdocument?mds=tiMs9IFJ8xuPm%252B%252Foxc6fUw%253D%253D&type=open

Click to see the notification: Small Companies Notification