| Minimum age for class 1 to be 6 years: Centre to States, UTs | | |
Agencies
New Delhi, Apr 3: Students can only be admitted to Class 1 at the age of six years and above, the Ministry of Education told States and Union Territories on Wednesday. The foundational stage, as defined by the new National Education Policy (NEP), consists of five years of learning opportunities for all children (between 3 to 8 years), including three years of preschool education followed by Class 1 and 2. "The policy thus promotes seamless learning and development of children from pre-school to Class 2. This can only be done by ensuring accessibility to three years of quality preschool education for all children studying in Anganwadis or government, government-aided, private and NGO-run preschool centers," a senior MoE official said, as per news agency.
The ministry has directed state governments and UT administrations to align their age to admission with the policy and provide admission to class 1 at the age of six years and above, the official added.
The decision has been welcomed by parents and teachers who believe that the move will reduce the academic pressure on students.
President of Delhi Parents Association Aparajita Gautam said the new policy will lighten the academic pressure on students.
Children will not be focusing only on bookish knowledge from now on, Gautam said. “They will not be under pressure of studies as well. This new policy has been drafted very beautifully and we welcome this step. We have been eagerly waiting for the National Education Policy (NEP) to be implemented.” |
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