Paper Details

The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 of India represents a paradigmatic shift towards creating inclusive educational environments with equal opportunities for every student that recognize and address gender disparities across all levels of education and creating more egalitarian environment to work and learn. This research examines the gender-inclusive provisions within the NEP 2020, analysing their theoretical foundations, implementation strategies, and potential impact on educational equity. Through a comprehensive review of policy documents, existing literature, and theoretical frameworks, this study explores how the NEP 2020 addresses historical gender inequities in Indian education through structural reforms, pedagogical innovations, and institutional changes. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining content analysis of policy documents with theoretical examination of gender-inclusive education models. Key findings indicate that the NEP 2020 incorporates significant gender-inclusive measures including flexible learning pathways, recognition of diverse gender identities, elimination of gender stereotypes in curriculum, and provisions for creating safe educational spaces. However, implementation challenges remain, particularly in rural contexts and marginalised communities. The study concludes that while the NEP 2020 provides a robust framework for gender inclusivity, sustained efforts in policy implementation, teacher training, and community engagement are essential for realizing its transformative potential in creating truly gender-inclusive educational environments.

New Education Policy, gender inclusivity, educational equity, inclusive education, gender identity, educational reform