Abstract:
The National Education Policy 2020 represents a significant reform initiative in India’s education sector, aiming to create an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all learners. This chapter analyses the impact of NEP 2020 on gender inclusivity among female students in primary, secondary, and higher education in India. The study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach, drawing upon secondary sources such as the NEP 2020 policy document, government reports, UDISE+ data, AISHE reports, UNESCO publications, and relevant scholarly literature.
The paper examines the key gender-related provisions of NEP 2020, including the Gender Inclusion Fund, efforts to reduce dropout rates among girls, expansion of access to quality education, promotion of safe and inclusive learning environments, and initiatives to enhance female participation in higher education. It further analyses the extent to which these measures contribute to improving enrolment, retention, progression, and participation of female students across different educational levels.
The findings indicate that NEP 2020 has the potential to strengthen gender inclusivity by addressing structural barriers such as socio-economic disadvantages, limited educational access, safety concerns, and inadequate institutional support. However, the paper also identifies persistent challenges in implementation, including regional disparities, resource constraints, and the need for sustained monitoring and evaluation. The study concludes that while NEP 2020 provides a comprehensive framework for advancing gender equity in education, its long-term effectiveness will depend on coordinated policy implementation, adequate funding, and continuous support for female students across all stages of education (Ministry of Education, 2020; UNESCO, 2022).