Pune: MP Medha Kulkarni Appeals to Centre for Upgradation of D.El.Ed. Colleges Under NEP 2020
Pune, 26th July 2025: Amid the nationwide implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Member of Parliament and former MLA Dr. Medha Kulkarni has urged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to authorize the upgradation of D.El.Ed. (Diploma in Elementary Education) colleges in Maharashtra. This comes as the D.El.Ed. program is expected to be phased out and replaced by four-year integrated B.A.-B.Ed. and B.Sc.-B.Ed. courses.
In a memorandum submitted to the Union Minister, Dr. Kulkarni stressed the urgent need to transition existing D.El.Ed. institutions into Integrated Teacher Education Institutes (ITEIs) or independent B.Ed. colleges to ensure the stability of students, faculty, and the institutions themselves.
Currently, Maharashtra is home to 97 government-aided D.El.Ed. colleges, accommodating approximately 5,000 students and employing around 500 teaching staff. With the state planning to discontinue the D.El.Ed. course by the 2026-27 academic year, concerns have been raised regarding the academic and professional future of those associated with these colleges.
Dr. Kulkarni has urged that the transition be implemented without adversely affecting students or staff, and has recommended a roadmap to safeguard their interests.
Key Proposals:
-Upgrade D.El.Ed. colleges to ITEIs or allow them to function as independent B.Ed. institutions under NEP guidelines.
-Direct the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other authorities to appoint qualified D.El.Ed. faculty—those with M.A., M.Ed., M.Phil., NET/SET, or PhD credentials—to vacant positions in senior colleges.
-Reassign remaining teaching and non-teaching staff to junior colleges, ensuring continued employment.
-Recognize current and former D.El.Ed. students as eligible candidates for Anganwadi, balwadi, and pre-primary teaching positions in the state.
Speaking on the issue, Dr. Kulkarni stated, “As the NEP rollout progresses, it is essential to handle the restructuring of D.El.Ed. institutions thoughtfully. We must ensure that the careers of students and teachers are not disrupted, but instead reinforced through this reform. These measures will help enhance the quality of foundational education in Maharashtra.”
Her recommendations arrive at a time when both state and central governments are reviewing teacher training structures to align with NEP’s long-term vision.
