AIDSO opposes STEAM initiative, calls it ‘backdoor implementation’ of National Education Policy 2020 - The HinduPublished - June 28, 2026 03:52 pm IST - MYSURUActivists of AIDSO and villagers staged a protest opposing the merger of schools, in Arasikere, Hassan district, Karnataka. File photo: Special ArrangementAIDSO argues that the STEAM initiative prioritises vocational skills over essential academic subjectsThe Mysuru district committee of the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) has opposed the State government’s introduction of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) model in Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), alleging that it is a backdoor implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.In a statement, AIDSO district secretary Nithin said that vocational education has been made mandatory for students from Class 6 onwards in the name of skill development. He alleged that the government’s order envisions designing the curriculum in partnership with industry stakeholders, reflecting the provisions of NEP-2020, which, according to the organisation, has already been rejected by the people of the State.The organisation argued that a greater emphasis on vocational education would undermine foundational subjects such as the mother tongue, mathematics, science, and social sciences, which it stated are essential for students’ intellectual and overall development.Quoting physicist Albert Einstein, AIDSO stated that education should foster independent thinking rather than focus solely on vocational skills. It also cited Swami Vivekananda’s view that education is a process of character building and assimilation of ideas, claiming that the government’s approach departs from these principles.The organisation alleged that the policy would weaken critical thinking and reduce education to skill training. It demanded that the State government withdraw the STEAM initiative and urged students, parents, and educators to oppose what it described as an attempt to dilute public education.Published - June 28, 2026 03:52 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }