National Education Policy 2020 | Multiple entry, exit option in higher studies may not suit India: House panel

Source: The post is based on the article “National Education Policy 2020 | Multiple entry, exit option in higher studies may not suit India: House panel”  published in The Hindu on 25th September 2023

What is the News?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has released a report titled ‘Implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020 in Higher Education’.

The committee has advised the Union government to hold discussions with stakeholders before implementing the option of multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) under the national education policy(NEP). 

What is Multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME)?

Source: The Hindu

National education policy(NEP) proposes Multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME).

The system allows students to drop their course and resume it at a later stage as and when they desire or deem it worth pursuing. 

This arrangement will prove to be helpful for those students who cannot continue their studies due to financial, social or any other reason and desire to resume their studies when the conditions become favourable in due course of time.

What are the challenges in implementing MEME according to the Parliamentary Standing Committee?

Predicting Student Flow: MEME looks like a flexible system which is being operated by western educational institutions effectively.But it might not work well in the country.

– This is because in India, with its high population, it is challenging for institutions to predict how many students may exit or join midway.This uncertainty could disrupt the pupil-teacher ratio.

Uneven Distribution of Institutions: The uneven geographical distribution of higher educational institutions, especially in rural areas could create obstacles in implementing MEME effectively.

What are the recommendations given by the committee to implement MEME effectively?

Develop comprehensive guidelines and a well-defined framework for MEME options, including specific eligibility criteria, credit transfer mechanisms providing a clear road map for students pursuing different exit points.

Conduct wider consultations with universities, institutions, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to address the challenges and difficulties associated with MEME implementation.

How is the Kerala Government implementing MEME?

The Kerala government has decided not to implement MEME in colleges and universities in the State. 

The curriculum document of the State had said that the government would allow multiple entry, but exit will be allowed either after three years with a degree or after four years with honours degree.