Answer By law4u team
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a landmark reform introduced by the Government of India to transform the educational landscape. One of its core focuses is the protection and enhancement of children’s rights to ensure that every child receives quality, inclusive, and equitable education. NEP 2020 aligns with the Right to Education Act and expands its scope to include early childhood education and other learner-centric reforms. These rights aim to promote lifelong learning, reduce dropout rates, and build a future-ready generation.
Rights and Provisions for Children Under NEP 2020
1. Right to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
NEP ensures universal access to quality ECCE for all children aged 3–6 years through Anganwadis, pre-schools, and Balavatikas.
Focus on play-based, activity-driven learning for cognitive and emotional development.
2. Right to Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
Every child should attain foundational skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic by Grade 3 by 2025.
Launch of the NIPUN Bharat Mission to support this goal.
3. Right to Equitable and Inclusive Education
Strong emphasis on removing social disparities and ensuring education for girls, children with disabilities, SC/ST/OBC, and economically disadvantaged groups.
Gender Inclusion Fund and Special Education Zones for support.
4. Right to Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education
Curriculum designed to focus on overall development—cognitive, emotional, social, ethical, and physical.
Emphasis on arts, sports, and life skills alongside academic learning.
5. Right to Mother Tongue-Based Learning
Education till Grade 5 (preferably till Grade 8) in the mother tongue or regional language to enhance comprehension and retention.
Respect for linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
6. Right to Flexibility and Choice in Learning
Students can choose subjects and disciplines across streams in secondary school.
Vocational education from Grade 6 with internships.
7. Right to Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
Emphasis on mental health, peer mentoring, and trained counselors in schools.
Child-friendly infrastructure and inclusive teaching practices.
8. Right to Digital and Technological Access
Integration of digital tools and online platforms for learning.
Special focus on bridging the digital divide in rural and remote areas.
9. Right to Continuous Assessment and Learning
Shift from rote memorization to competency-based learning and regular formative assessments.
Introduction of Board Exam reforms with two chances per year.
10. Right to Participate in Governance and Feedback
Students will have more say in school functioning, feedback mechanisms, and student councils to promote leadership and voice.
Legal and Institutional Support
NEP 2020 supports the Right to Education Act (2009) and expands its scope.
Creation of School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (SQAAF) to monitor standards.
Use of DIKSHA platform and National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) for accessible digital content.
Regular training for teachers under the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST).
Consumer Safety Tips (For Parents & Guardians)
Ensure school complies with NEP guidelines and offers inclusive access.
Enroll children in ECCE programs early for foundational development.
Monitor the use of digital platforms; guide children on safe internet usage.
Demand school transparency on learning outcomes and teaching methods.
Example
Scenario:
A 5-year-old girl from a rural village is enrolled in an Anganwadi center. Under NEP 2020, the center offers a structured early learning curriculum in her mother tongue, with trained teachers and playful activities.
Her rights under NEP in action:
ECCE Access – She receives foundational learning at no cost.
Mother Tongue Instruction – She learns in a language she understands.
Inclusion – As a girl from an economically weaker section, she benefits from targeted schemes like mid-day meals and learning kits.
Holistic Development – She engages in music, art, and storytelling activities.
Transition to Formal School – At age 6, she will move smoothly into Grade 1 with foundational literacy in place.
