National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), Ministry of Education, Government of India held a meeting with the stakeholders of minority educational institutions and other minority communities in Kohima at DPDB hall Kohima on June 2.
A DIPR report informed that at the meeting, NCMEI chairman, Justice Narendra Kumar briefed on the issues faced by minorities in the educational sector and highlighted the policies of the government relating to minorities’ education.
He also stressed on the New Educational Policy 2023, pointing out that it was fundamental for achieving full human potential, developing an equitable and just society, and promoting national development.
Justice Kumar also mentioned that the global education development agenda reflected in Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by India in 2015 – sought to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030.
He said the National Education Policy 2020 was the first education policy of the 21st century aimed at addressing the growing developmental imperatives in the country. “This Policy proposes the revision and revamping of all aspects of the education structure, including its regulation and governance, to create a new system that is aligned with the aspirational goals of 21st century education, including SDG4 while building upon India’s traditions and value systems”, Justice Kumar said.
He also highlighted Article 30(1) of the Constitution of India stating that it provides for linguistic and religious minorities a fundamental right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
He further said that the term “minority” has not been defined in the Indian Constitution. However, the Constitution recognizes religious and linguistic minorities and for which the Central government has notified six religious minority communities viz. Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, and Jain. He therefore informed that minority educational institutions can approach NCMEI for obtaining Minority Status Certificate (MSC) to appeal against State authorities on being aggrieved by the order of rejection of NOC application by the State/UT (Section 12A) or refusal to grant a minority status certificate (Section 12 B) and resolving disputes regarding affiliation/deprivation and violation of rights of minorities to establish and administer the institutions of their choice.