VET IAS School of Social Science, Department of Sociology in association with RC-05 Sociology of Education and Indian Sociological Society jointly organized one-day workshop cum panel discussion on "Equal Access to Quality Education for All: Insights from the NEP 2020" was held on 25th February 2025, aiming to explore the various facets of education policies, particularly focusing on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Ms. Ilakkiya, Assistant Professor of Sociology, introduced the session and the distinguished guests, setting the stage for the discussions that followed. Professor P. Mohammad then addressed the current status of Tamil Nadu in relation to the NEP, offering insights into the Indian Sociological Society and its importance in shaping educational discussions. The session culminated with a thought-provoking lecture by Professor Kalam, who examined the issue of access to education from both historical and contemporary perspectives. He discussed the challenges posed by gender, class, and caste-based discrimination in accessing higher education and explored the critical role of women’s education in fostering societal progress. Citing the works of Amartya Sen, Professor Kalam emphasized the interconnectedness of health and education and stressed that accessibility ensures equality in education.

Plenary Session 1: "Education 2023: Policies and Practices"

The first plenary session, moderated by Dr. C. Venkatachalam, began with introductions by Ms. Sarika and Ms. Mehavini, preparing the ground for an engaging discussion on the complex relationship between education and society. Professor Gulam Dasthagir K. opened the session with a talk on "Education Mirrors Society," focusing on the significant gap in educational policy evolution over the past two decades. He introduced the concept of "Power" as a crucial fourth dimension of intersectionality in educational practices, while also emphasizing the role of technology in achieving the goals set by the NEP. Professor Mohammad followed with a chronological overview of educational policies in post-independent India, discussing their evolution and current relevance. He also explored the complex challenges associated with child labor and its impact on education. Dr. S. Sampath Kumar then presented his analysis on achieving quality education in India, highlighting the gaps in policy implementation, the challenges posed by increased dropout rates, and the central-state dynamics. He emphasized the necessity of impact assessment to ensure the successful universalization of education. This session provided critical insights into India’s educational policies and the need for ongoing dialogue to achieve educational equity and quality.

Technical session
The technical sessions of the workshop were conducted online, chaired by Dr. Ashaq Hussain Ganie and co-chaired by Dr. Kheyali Roy. The sessions featured diverse presentations on key issues related to education, gender equality, and inclusivity within the context of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.