About the Book

India strives to accomplish its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and propel itself towards a greener, more equitable and

self-reliant future through its new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This volume comprehensively comprehends the dynamics of education in attaining the goals of sustainable development in India. It not only identifies key areas of synergy but also meticulously delineates the practical challenges that must be addressed to realize the shared vision of sustainable development through education.

This collection of fifteen scholarly papers navigates through the theoretical and empirical contours of educational policies, particularly focusing on the NEP 2020, and its alignment with the SDGs from an interdisciplinary perspective.  It critically engages with the effects of NEP 2020 on skill development, digital education initiatives, and university dynamics through incisive chapters that offer a broad perspective of the educational scenario. In addition, investigating the difficulties associated with implementing fundamental literacy and school education clarifies the tribulations in converting policy goals into concrete results, opening the door for

well-informed decision-making and tactical solutions. The book further contributes to scholarly conversation and provides stakeholders with the tools they need to take the next step toward creating societies that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. It ignites a dialogue that is indispensable in shaping the future where education becomes a cornerstone of sustainable development endeavours.

It provides a valuable insight to scholars and researchers of educational studies, development studies, sustainable development, sociology, history and political studies. It will be of immense interest to education planners, policymakers, development practitioners, NGOs, and all those working in the field of education and sustainable development.

Contents

Part I : Introductory Section

Education and Sustainable Development: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Prospects
Manish K. Verma and Aparupa Patnaik

Part II : Implementational Challenges under NEP 2020

Implementing NEP 2020 in India: Issues and Challenges
Ravindra Kumar and Preeti Chauhan

Exist Options under NEP 2020: A Case Study of a Graduate Institute in Kanpur Dehat
Ruchi Katiyar and Vinod Kumar Yadav

Foundational Literacy and NEP: Provisions and Challenges
Neha Rawat and U.V. Kiran

Part III : Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education under NEP 2020

Challenges, Concerns and Opportunities of Higher Education and Nation-Building under NEP 2020
Raksha Gupta

Higher Education in India and Nation-Building: Challenges, Concerns, and Opportunities
Shabnam and Savita Kaushal

The Role of NEP 2020: Challenges and Opportunities  for University Teachers
Rachana Verma, Ravi Prakash, and Pankaj Singh

Critical Implications of NEP 2020: Multiple Exit Options and Digital Education Initiatives
B. Chibbymuthu, P. Vinayagamurthy, and Benet Rajadurai J.

Analysing the New Education Policy 2020: Assessing the Prospects and Hurdles in Higher Education
Shashi Kant Yadav

Skill Development and Higher Education: A Paradigm Shift in the National Education Policy 2020 of India
Ch. Krishna Rao

Part IV : Future Prospects of Education and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Interrelationship Between NEP and SDGs: Socio-economic and Political Dimensions
Animesh Dongare

Synergy Between NEP 2020 and SDG 4: Aligning Education for a Sustainable Future
Pawan Kumar

Aligning NEP 2020 with SDGs: A Pathway to Addressing Poverty, Unemployment, and Infrastructure Challenges
Upasana Singh

New Education Policy 2020 and Sustainable Development Goals: Convergence and Divergence
Anchalesh Kumar

National Education Policy Role in Sustainable Development  Goals and Nation-Building: Issues and Challenges
Neelu Rawat and Nidhi Dinker

About the Author / Editor

MANISH K. VERMA is Dean of the Ambedkar School of Social Sciences and the School of Vocational and Futuristic Studies, and Professor and Head in the Department of Sociology at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar (Central) University, Lucknow. He is a Council Member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Education, Government of India for 2024–2026. With over 26 years of academic experience, including roles as Head of UGC SAP DRS-I and Controller of Examinations, Prof. Verma has published eight books and numerous research papers on environment, development, urban ecology, social justice, and globalization. He has also visited Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Canada, USA, Australia and Nepal on academic assignments. He serves on various national and international committees, including as Chairman of the U.P. State Multidisciplinary Committee for Impact Assessment Studies. His academic contributions have earned him recognition in professional bodies such as the International Sociological Association and the Indian Sociological Society. He has served as Secretary, Indian Sociological Society (ISS) (2022–2023) and is presently Board Member, Research Committee WG 05 (Famine and Society), International Sociological Association (Madrid, Spain).