NEP 2020: Empowering SEDGs

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a landmark reform in India's educational landscape, envisioning an education system that is equitable, inclusive, holistic, and learner-centered. Guided by the principles of access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability, the policy strives to provide all learners, regardless of their socio-economic background, geographical location, gender, language, disability, or other forms of disadvantage, with equitable opportunities for meaningful participation and success in education. One of the most significant contributions of NEP 2020 is its explicit focus on Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs). The policy acknowledges that historical, social, cultural, economic, and geographical disadvantages continue to prevent many learners from accessing and benefiting from educational opportunities on an equal basis. To address these inequities, NEP 2020 introduces targeted measures to improve access, participation, retention, learning outcomes, and successful transitions across all stages of education.
The policy recognises that educational exclusion often results from the interplay of multiple social, economic, geographical, and cultural factors rather than a single cause, thereby necessitating comprehensive and context-specific interventions. As conceptualised in NEP 2020, SEDGs encompass a broad spectrum of vulnerable and marginalised populations, including:

• Gender Identities
• Socio-Cultural Identities
• Geographical Identities
• Disabilities
• Socio-Economic Conditions

NEP 2020 recognises that access alone is not enough; equity must also ensure participation, retention, and meaningful learning outcomes. It proposes targeted interventions such as special education zones, gender inclusion funds, inclusive classrooms, multiple pathways to learning, and technology-enabled education. Despite significant progress in expanding educational access, disparities persist across social and economic groups. Challenges such as economic conditions, social discrimination, gender bias, geographical isolation, language barriers, disability-related exclusion, and limited access to quality educational infrastructure continue to affect educational outcomes for many learners.

In this background, CIET–NCERT is organising a five-day online training programme titled “NEP 2020: Empowering SEDGs” from 27th to 31st July 2026. The programme aims to enhance participants' understanding of the provisions of NEP 2020 related to SEDGs and equip them with practical strategies to promote equitable, inclusive, and quality education for all learners.