Maharashtra forms state-level task force to accelerate NEP 2020 implementation

The Maharashtra government has set up a state-level task force to review the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 across universities and colleges and recommend measures to speed up its rollout in higher education institutions.

Constituted by the state's Higher and Technical Education Department, the task force will examine challenges faced during implementation and suggest solutions and policy recommendations to strengthen the adoption of NEP reforms.

Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said Maharashtra has already initiated several key reforms under NEP 2020, including four-year undergraduate degree programs, the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC), the major-minor subject framework, internships, Indian Knowledge System (IKS) courses, and skill-based education.

“The newly formed task force will provide uniform academic and administrative guidance to educational institutions,” he said.

He added that the department aims to make higher education in Maharashtra more student-centric, research-oriented, and skill-driven.

According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the department, former Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nitin Karmalkar has been appointed chairperson of the task force.

The nine-member committee includes vice chancellors of select state universities, educationists, higher education experts, and government officials.

The task force has been assigned to develop guidelines on key aspects of NEP implementation, including the structure of four-year undergraduate programs, internships, credit transfer mechanisms, multiple entry and exit provisions, inter-university migration, and the adoption of a uniform academic calendar.

It will also recommend policies related to PhD admissions, student support services, and faculty training programs. The committee has been asked to submit its progress report within three months.