An Analytical Study of the Culmination of “Education” as a Fundamental Right under the Constitution of India and Restructuring “Education” to a Multi-disciplinary Approach in the National Education Policy, 2020

The emergence of education as a fundamental right under Article 21A guarantees an absolute right to education to the citizens of India. This right is complemented by the amendment made to Article 45 where the duty has been cast upon the State of early childhood care and education under the aegis of Directive Principles of State Policy. There is a duty cast upon the parents as Fundamental Duties under Article 51A to provide opportunities for education to their child or ward between 6 and 14 years of age. The source of these new education provisions lay on the precedents set out by some of the landmark judgments of the Supreme Court, which not only dealt with education but emphasised the overall development of an individual and his right to live with dignity. The National Education Policy 2020 has been structured keeping in mind the Preambular assurance and the Constitutional guarantees provided to all citizens of India towards justice- social, economic and political. To make the dream of Constitution makers a reality, a multi-disciplinary holistic approach to education has been framed. This approach has the objective of integration of knowledge, that is integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific, and technological acumen. Overcoming the classroom method of teaching where the knowledge could be imparted to a limited number of students and embracing the hybrid blended modes of teaching, to reach out to a vast audience with flexible timings. This Policy is framed towards the attainment of SDG 4 goals, keeping pace with the changing universe of knowledge and making the future generation not only acquainted with theoretical knowledge but also skillful to meet the futuristic requirements of employment.