Kohima, 2 June (MTNews): The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), under the Ministry of Education held a meeting with stakeholders of minority educational institutions and representatives from minority communities in Kohima at the DPDB Hall on 2 June 2023. The objective of the meeting was to address the challenges faced by minorities in the education sector and provide clarity on relevant government policies.
Justice Narendra Kumar, Chairman of NCMEI, highlighted the issues encountered by minority communities in the educational field. He stressed the importance of children not only acquiring knowledge but also learning how to learn.
He also emphasized the significance of the New Educational Policy 2023, stating that it plays a fundamental role in realizing the full potential of individuals, promoting an equitable society, and driving national development. He emphasized that providing universal access to high-quality education is the best way forward for developing and maximizing our country’s rich talents and resources for the good of the individual, the society, the country, and the world.
The Chairman noted that the global education development agenda, represented by Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.
He acknowledged that the world is witnessing rapid changes with technological advancements such as big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Consequently, there will be a growing demand for a skilled workforce proficient in areas such as mathematics, computer science, data science, and multidisciplinary abilities across various fields.
Justice Kumar emphasized that education should shift its focus from content-centric learning to critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, multidisciplinary, innovation, adaptability, and the ability to absorb new information in evolving fields.
He highlighted that the NEP 2020, aims to address the developmental needs of India while aligning with the goals of 21st-century education, including SDG4. The policy proposes comprehensive changes in the education structure, regulation, and governance, building upon India’s traditions and value systems.
The Chairman also shed light on Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution, which grants linguistic and religious minorities the fundamental right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. To safeguard the educational rights of minorities as enshrined in Article 30(1), the NCMEI Act was enacted, he said.
The commission acts as an appellate authority for disputes regarding minority status and no-objection certificates (NOCs). Educational institutions that face refusal or rejection of minority status certification or NOCs by the state authorities can appeal to the commission, which also has the power to cancel minority status based on grounds specified in the Act.
Justice Kumar clarified that while the Indian Constitution does not explicitly define the term “minority,” it does recognize religious and linguistic minorities. The Central Government has officially recognized six religious minority communities, namely Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains.
Minority educational institutions can approach the NCMEI to obtain Minority Status Certificates (MSCs) and appeal against state authorities in case of NOC rejections (Section 12A) or refusals to grant minority status certificates (Section 12B).
The commission also plays a role in resolving disputes related to affiliation, deprivation, and violations of minority rights regarding the establishment and administration of institutions of their choice.