According to Steve Smith, Chair, Universities UK International (UUKI), which is a body representing higher education institutions in United Kingdom, academic fraternity of higher education in UK is excited about changes outlined by India in draft of its New Education Policy (NEP) and is looking forward to positive changes. 

Universities in India and UK to work toger

Smith, who was in Delhi recently as part of a delegation of Vice-Chancellors of over 20 universities from United Kingdom to explore opportunities of mutual interest in higher education sector with Indian stakeholders, including government and institutes said “It is a good draft. We are excited about changes outlined in draft to explore its content more and see what shape it takes. We feel positive about some of proposals and it's a good time to identify genuine areas of overlap between two countries, where our interests coincide, how can we work toger and can be parts of se changes.”

"It's a good draft"- Steve Smith

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His visit to national capital was part of a higher education-focused bilateral programme; UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), helmed by British Council. In 2006, India and UK entered into a long-term bilateral programme, UKIERI, with a focus on higher education.

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NEP was in BJP's manifesto

UKIERI is a multi-stakeholder programme involving stakeholders and institutions of higher education sector from both countries. British Council is one of delivery partners of UKIERI along with UUKi and Association of Colleges.
A new education policy was part of Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto ahead of 2014 general election. existing NEP was framed in 1986 and was revised in 1992.

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A panel headed by former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan had submitted draft of new National Education Policy to Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ when he took charge of Ministry. draft was furr put in public domain to seek feedback from various stakeholders after which HRD Ministry received over 2 lakh suggestions about same.

"What we have liked about NEP draft is introduction of flexibility in study options and crucially formation of a national research body. We followed that process in UK, it's very similar to same thinking going on in UK with formation of UKIERI. We believe that two countries are travelling on same path when it comes to expanding ir research base, we think it (NEP) will offer incredible opportunities," Director rth, British Council India, Tom Birtwistle said.

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On a related te, addressing long-standing demand to boost number of Indian students choosing British universities, UK government had earlier this week anunced a new two-year post-study work visa route for all international students.
country had ended its two-year post-study work visa offer during resa May's term as UK home secretary in 2012 and move has widely been seen as responsible for a major drop in student numbers from countries like India.

" changes in visa policy had been on discussion for long and finally it being anunced is a welcome move," Smith said.
Furrmore, UK universities are also keen to have a positive outcome on mutual recognition of Masters degrees by two countries. India does t recognise a one-year masters degree which is given by all British universities since India has a two-year degree. rm makes it difficult for Indian students to pursue a doctorate in India after a Masters in UK.

" issue has been a subject of bilateral discussions between two governments. situation is understood on both sides and we would like it to reach a positive outcome soon," Smith said. 
 

(With PTI Inputs)