Panel set up to review school curriculum

The Congress-led UPA government's bid to "detoxify" education has taken shape of a national curriculum framework review committee, which will be headed by educationist Yashpal.

The NCERT-appointed panel is supposed to complete its task by Summer 2005. Its recommendations once referred to NCERT's executive committee will have to be approved by the Central Advisory Board on Education before it is implemented from 2006-2007.

Yashpal said the new curriculum would be designed to reduce the burden on school children and to make coaching classes redundant. He stressed that the committee would function in an independent manner and not get influenced by a particular ideology.

The 30-member panel consists of well-known scholars, social activists and non-government organisation from around the country. Within the committee, a 21-member "national focus group" has been formed to prepare foundation papers regarding curriculum design.

The areas covered under the focus groups include the teaching of English, mathematics, science and other subjects, peace education, the problems of SC and ST children, teacher education renewal and examination reform.

Taking about the committee, NCERT Director Krishna Kumar said the human resource development ministry was not involved in selecting its members.

"I am not going to take any direction from any political party," Kumar said when asked how the panel would fend pressures witnessed during the previous government.

Kumar said the focus group appointed for the role of art and music in education would be headed by noted musician Shubha Mudgal. A review of the school curriculum as mandated by National Policy of Education, which provides for a review after every five years is due this year.