Authors : Malabika Sarker
Page Nos : 51-56
Description :
Restructuring higher education in rural India is central to the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritizes equity, access, versatility, interdisciplinary learning, and local relevance. Despite increased enrolment, rural institutions continue to face structural challenges including inadequate infrastructure, faculty shortages, rigid curricula, limited research capacity, and weak industry and community connections. This policy-oriented conceptual paper presents a policy-focused framework for implementing NEP 2020 to strengthen rural higher education ecosystems. The framework promotes technology-enabled blended learning, decentralized governance, curriculum revision in line with regional and national development priorities, and ongoing faculty development. By reimagining rural higher education as a catalyst of local development and social advancement, the paper advances a coherent policy vision aligned with NEP 2020 priorities across rural India.
