NEP-2020 and UGC NEP-SAARTHIs at Central University of Jharkhand

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a historic reform in India’s education system, focusing on access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. It envisions transforming Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) into vibrant, multidisciplinary hubs that nurture creativity, innovation, and holistic development. The policy emphasizes flexibility in learning pathways, multidisciplinary education, integration of vocational skills, and the use of technology to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century.

For HEIs, NEP-2020 brings a comprehensive roadmap—moving from rigid structures to flexible credit systems, encouraging research and innovation, fostering global standards, and promoting the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). It aims to empower students with both local relevance and global competence, thereby contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

UGC NEP-SAARTHI: Student Ambassadors for Academic Reforms

Recognizing that students are at the heart of these reforms, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched the NEP-SAARTHI initiative (Student Ambassador for Academic Reforms in Transforming Higher Education in India). The initiative empowers students to act as ambassadors of NEP-2020 in their respective institutions, ensuring greater awareness, participation, and feedback in its implementation.

Objectives of UGC NEP-SAARTHIs

·         To create awareness and promote the initiatives of NEP-2020 among students.

·         To motivate peers to actively participate in the reform process.

·         To act as a bridge between students, faculty, and administrators in HEIs.

·         To establish a feedback mechanism for UGC to understand the impact of NEP initiatives and address student concerns.

Roles and Responsibilities

·         Serving as ambassadors of NEP-2020, spreading awareness of its goals and opportunities.

·         Conducting awareness drives, discussions, competitions, and creative activities (debates, quizzes, street plays, etc.) aligned with NEP reforms.

·         Using social media, posters, helpdesks, and campus events to disseminate information about NEP-2020.

·         Encouraging meaningful dialogue among students, faculty, and administration.

·         Submitting feedback and brief reports on NEP activities to UGC.

·         Attending UGC-organized programmes and contributing to continuous improvement in NEP implementation.

CUJ and the Way Forward

At Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ), the UGC NEP-SAARTHIs are actively engaged in spreading awareness, fostering peer learning, and promoting student participation in academic reforms. With the vision of NEP-2020 guiding the way, CUJ is committed to building a dynamic academic ecosystem that is inclusive, multidisciplinary, research-driven, and aligned with national priorities.

The NEP-SAARTHI initiative ensures that students are not only the beneficiaries of these reforms but also active contributors in shaping the future of higher education in India. Dr. Bhaskar Singh is currently the NEP Co-ordinator of the University. The three NEP SAARTHIs of the University are Mr. Aatmdev Thakur from Dept. of Life Sciences; Ms. Unkili Jyoshitha  from Dept. of Mass Communication, and Mr. Kaushik Kumar Hota from Dept. of Education who are carrying out the desired activities as per the UGC's Activity Calendar. The three NEP SAARTHIs were appointed on 24^th November, 2024 as NEP SAARTHIs of this University and are diligently conducting the scheduled activities as per the guidelines of UGC .