Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Reveals Plans to Revamp CABE for Modern Education Demands

In an interview with PTI, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan disclosed that the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), a vital committee guiding government education policies, is undergoing a significant overhaul due to the outdated nature of its previous version. Pradhan emphasized that as the education sector undergoes a transformative shift with the implementation of the new education policy, CABE also needs a makeover to align with the current demands of the education system.

Pradhan, highlighting the need for change, stated, “CABE is being reconstituted because its older version is very broad. The demands of today’s education system are different. We are introducing the concept of Balvatikas for the first time, but there is no child specialist in CABE, research, and development have undergone a paradigm shift, and industry connect is being talked about… keeping all these in mind, CABE needs to be remodeled.”

The CABE comprises members such as the Union education minister, the minister of state for education, education ministers from various states, and heads of organizations like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), among others.

Surprisingly, the CABE has not convened a meeting since September 2019, marking a significant lapse of three years. Pradhan explained the situation, stating, “CABE is being reconstituted.” He acknowledged that the delay was due to the ongoing restructuring efforts to meet the evolving educational landscape.

Pradhan underlined the pivotal role of CABE in shaping the future of education in India. He said, “Ultimately it has to review this only…new curriculum, new syllabus, new textbooks, new regulatory framework, new professional standards body, accreditation mechanism, and credit framework. Different departments are working towards implementation of the NEP and will be synchronized at one stage.”

Addressing concerns about the timeline for CABE’s reconstitution, Pradhan clarified, “It is on the agenda but ultimately what will it review? First, we are developing curriculum, then textbooks, doing regulatory reforms, moving towards multidisciplinary education, and much more, CABE will be the last stage.”

The revamp aligns with the recommendations made by the committee led by former ISRO Chief K Kasturirangan in the National Education Policy (NEP). The revamped CABE is expected to play a crucial role in developing, articulating, evaluating, and revising the vision of education in the country. It will work closely with the ministry and corresponding apex bodies of the state, ensuring a continuous focus on quality education.