The union cabinet on Wednesday gave its approval to the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in a meeting held in New Delhi.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Human Resource Development (HRD) minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank said NEP 2020 will bring transformational reforms in school and higher education systems in the country.

"The new National Education Policy was drawn up after the largest consultation and discussion process of its kind in the country," Pokhariyal said.

"2.25 lakh suggestions received after the draft was placed in the public domain for consultations," he added.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the cabinet for granting approval to the National Education Policy.

"With the implementation of this policy India, will emerge as a great knowledge centre and education destination in the world," Pokriyal said.

He further said that the National Education Policy will play an important role in creating new India.

He further congratulated all the students, teachers, parents and all stakeholders for the New Education Policy and called it a historic moment for the country.

"This policy will bring transformational reforms in both school and higher education sectors," he said.

"NEP will ensure universal access to high-quality Early Childhood Care & Education across India," he added.

"We will focus on developing social capacities, sensitivity, good behaviour, ethics, teamwork & cooperation among children through a joyful pedagogy," he further aid.

This is the first education policy of the 21st century and replaces the thirty-four-year-old National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986.

Built on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability, this policy is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, suited to 21st century needs and aimed at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student.

"Teach to Transform, Educate to Empower, Learn to Lead"
-Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi
In line with his vision to make India a Global Knowledge Superpower, we finally present to you the National Education Policy 2020!

?? ???? ?? ??? ??? #NEP2020 #?????2020 pic.twitter.com/Mctr7M9t5g

— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) July 29, 2020