Union Minister for Education Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the new Academic Building and Main Entrance Gate of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) in New Delhi on October 29, 2026. The Minister stated that the new infrastructure would help NIEPA scale up its national and international programmes and enhance its academic and research capabilities, quoting the Sanskrit saying 'Shariramadyam khalu dharma sadhanam' to emphasize that strong infrastructure is essential for carrying out important work effectively.
Shri Joshi highlighted NIEPA's specific role in monitoring the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, including identifying implementation challenges and working closely with state governments to address them. He stressed the importance of transitioning from rote learning to conceptual understanding as envisaged under NEP 2020.
The Minister referenced significant government initiatives including the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, which facilitated ₹60,000 crores in soft loans for higher education. He also noted the expansion of digital learning platforms SWAYAM and DIKSHA, stating that SWAYAM had expanded access to quality digital learning and educational resources across the country. He reiterated the importance of equipping young people with quality education and relevant skills to meet national and global needs.
Secretary of the Department of Higher Education Ms. Deepti Gaur Mukherjee, NIEPA Chancellor Prof. Rama Shanker Dubey, and NIEPA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shashikala Wanjari were present at the inauguration event.