New Delhi, Apr 03: In many government schools across India, classes still take place in overcrowded rooms, sometimes under open skies conditions far removed from the “holistic and experiential learning” envisioned by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The contrast is stark. While the policy lays out an ambitious roadmap for transforming education, its success rests on a foundation that remains uneven and, in many places, fragile.

The problem is not one of intent. NEP 2020 rightly shifts the focus from rote learning to critical thinking, flexibility, and inclusion. But implementation is inseparable from infrastructure and that is where the gap between vision and reality becomes most visible.

Basic facilities remain a persistent challenge. According to UDISE+ data, a significant number of schools still lack functional electricity, internet access, or adequate sanitation. Overcrowded classrooms and multi-grade teaching are common, particularly in rural and underserved regions. These are not minor inconveniences; they shape how children experience schooling. The absence of separate, functional toilets for girls, for instance, continues to affect attendance and retention, especially at the secondary level. In such settings, the idea of joyful, activity-based learning remains aspirational.

The challenge deepens with the policy’s strong push towards digital education. NEP 2020 envisions technology as a key enabler from virtual labs to blended learning. Yet the digital divide, laid bare during the pandemic, persists. ASER reports have repeatedly highlighted limited access to devices and connectivity among students in government schools. Even where digital infrastructure exists, it is often outdated or poorly maintained, and teachers may lack adequate training to integrate technology into pedagogy. The result is a widening gap between policy expectations and classroom realities.

Funding constraints further complicate the picture. While NEP 2020 recommends raising public expenditure on education to 6% of GDP, actual spending remains below this target. This shortfall affects not just the creation of infrastructure but its maintenance. Buildings, equipment, and learning resources require sustained investment; without it, even existing facilities deteriorate. The burden of reform, then, falls on systems already stretched thin.

Infrastructure, however, is not only about buildings and technology it is also about people. Teacher shortages remain a pressing issue, and many educators juggle multi-grade classrooms alongside administrative duties. The policy’s emphasis on competency-based and experiential learning assumes a level of preparedness that current training systems do not always support. Without continuous professional development and institutional backing, the shift from traditional methods to interactive learning remains difficult to realise.

Early childhood education, a cornerstone of NEP 2020, reveals similar gaps. The integration of Anganwadi centres into the formal education framework is a significant step, but many centres lack adequate facilities, learning materials, and trained personnel. When the foundation is weak, achieving goals such as universal foundational literacy and numeracy becomes far more challenging.

What ties these issues together is inequality. Infrastructure gaps are not evenly distributed; they are most pronounced in rural areas, tribal regions, and among economically weaker communities. While better-resourced schools often in the private sector are able to adopt new pedagogies and technologies, many government schools struggle to meet basic standards. The risk is clear: instead of bridging divides, reforms may inadvertently reinforce them.

These challenges also point to questions of governance. With education as a concurrent subject, both the Centre and States share responsibility, often leading to uneven implementation. Variations in administrative capacity, funding priorities, and monitoring mechanisms produce uneven outcomes across regions. Without stronger coordination and accountability, even well-designed policies risk losing momentum on the ground.

Addressing these gaps cannot be treated as a secondary concern. Infrastructure is central to the success of NEP 2020. Increasing public investment is necessary, but so is ensuring that funds are effectively utilised and directed to the schools that need them most. Strengthening basic facilities must go hand in hand with expanding digital access, while sustained teacher support and community engagement can help bridge local gaps.

NEP 2020 sets the right direction. But without addressing the conditions in which learning actually takes place, its promise will remain out of reach. Unless foundational gaps are urgently addressed, the policy risks becoming not a transformative reform, but an aspirational document disconnected from the classrooms it seeks to change.

(Vaishali Sharma is a Master’s student in History at the University of Delhi, passionate about inclusive and holistic education. Her research interests include education, public policy, and international relations, with published works on curriculum. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author).

New Delhi, Apr 03: In light of the current situation in West Asia, the Government of India remains actively engaged in ensuring preparedness and continuity across key sectors through coordinated response measures. The following update outlines the steps being taken with regard to energy supply, maritime operations, and support to Indian nationals in the region:

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

Necessary measures are being undertaken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in view of the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As per Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:

Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness

• Govt. is making all efforts to ensure availability of Petrol, Diesel and LPG, and citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of Petrol and Diesel as well as unnecessary booking of LPG.
• Citizens are advised to beware of rumours and rely only on official sources for correct information.
• For LPG, citizens are requested to use digital modes for booking of LPG cylinders and avoid visiting LPG distributors unless necessary.
• Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG, induction and electric cooktops wherever feasible.
• In the current situation, all citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily usage.

Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures

• Despite this war situation, Government has given highest priority to domestic LPG and PNG, along with high priority to hospitals and educational institutions.
• The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.
• Alternate fuel options like Kerosene and coal have been offered to ease pressure on LPG demand.
• Ministry of Coal has already issued order to Coal India and Singareni Collieries to allot higher quantities to States for distributing coal to small, medium and other consumers.
• States have been advised to facilitate the new PNG connections for both domestic and commercial consumers.
• Secretary (MoPNG) chaired a meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries (Food & Civil Supplies) of all States and UTs to review the fuel supply situation and highlighted measures taken to ensure adequate availability. States were directed to prioritize LPG distribution, especially for domestic and essential needs, while maintaining strict vigilance against hoarding, diversion, and misinformation. On reports concerning FTL LPG supplies to migrant workers, States clarified that there is no disruption in LPG supply affecting migrants and that supplies remain stable. Secretary informed that states may consider managing targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL LPG cylinders, based on local requirements alongwith OMCs.

Coordinated efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms

• Under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000, State Governments are empowered to act against any hoarding and black marketing. Govt. of States/UTs have to play a primary role in monitoring and regulating supply situation of essential commodities including Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Govt. of India has reiterated the same via multiple letters and VCs to all States/UTs.
• All Chief Secretaries, ACS/Principal Secretary/Secretary Food & Civil supply of all the States/UTs are requested –

Ø To institutionalize daily press briefings at State/District level and issue regular public advisories.

Ø To setup dedicated control rooms/helplines.

Ø To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media.

Ø To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs

Ø To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs

Ø To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs.

Ø To fast track CGD expansion incl. expediting RoW/RoU permissions, 24×7 work permissions etc.

Ø To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.

Ø To nominate senior nodal officers for coordination with MoPNG

• Government of India vide letter dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have requested Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs to intensify proactive & regular public communication, conduct daily press briefs at appropriate senior level along with timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media to effectively counter misinformation and to reassure citizens regarding adequate availability and smooth distribution of LPG.
• Currently, 21 States/UTs are issuing/carrying out press briefs.

Enforcement and Monitoring Actions

• Raids continue to be carried out in many of the States/UTs to check the hoardings and black marketing of LPG. More than 4000 raids have been conducted, and more than 1300 cylinders have been seized yesterday.
• PSU OMCs officials have been directed to strengthen the system of surprise inspection to deter any instance of hoardings/black marketing.
• PSU OMCs have issued more than 670 show cause notices to LPG distributorships till date.

Domestic LPG Supply Status

• Supply of LPG is affected due to prevailing geopolitical situation. Despite this, no reported dry-out at LPG distributorships.
• Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased to 94% on industry basis yesterday.
• To prevent diversion at the distributor level, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have been increased from 53% (Feb-2026) to 86% yesterday.
• Around 55 Lakh Domestic LPG Cylinders were delivered yesterday.

Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures

• Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Refining companies including Petrochemical Complexes in India to make available certain minimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams for critical sectors like Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Department of Chemicals & Petro Chemicals etc. based on specific quantity and refinery source as determined by the Centre for High Technology (CHT).
• Govt. had already restored Partial Commercial LPG supply (20%) to consumers. Further, Govt. of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 had proposed allocation of additional 10% of Commercial LPG to States/UTs based on ease of doing business reforms for PNG expansion. Govt. of India vide letter dated 21.03.2026 allowed another 20% allocation, taking the overall allocation to 50% (including 10% reform-based), with priority to restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing/dairy units, subsidised canteens/outlets, community kitchens and 5 Kg FTL cylinders for migrant labourers. Subsequently, vide letter dated 27.03.2026, an additional 20% allocation has been provided, increasing the total to 70% of pre-crises level (including 10% reform-based), with priority to industries such as steel, automobile, textile, dye, chemicals and plastics, especially process industries requiring LPG for specialised heating not substitutable by natural gas.
• Yesterday, more than 67,000 – 5Kg FTL cylinders have been sold.
• Since 23rd March 2026, about 5 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold.
• Most of the States/UTs have issued orders to allocate the Non-domestic LPG in line with the guidelines issued by the Govt. of India. A total of 66693 MT has been uplifted since 14th March 2026 by commercial entities in the States/UTs.

Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives

• Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport.
• Supplies to industrial & commercial consumers connected on grid is at 80% of their average consumption.
• City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities have also been advised by Govt. of India to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels and canteens across all their Geographical Areas, to address concerns regarding the availability of commercial LPG.
• All industrial consumers including fertilizer plants have been advised to provide their additional requirement on spot basis so that the same may be arranged by the Gas marketing companies.
• CGD Companies like IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL have offered incentives for taking domestic and Commercial PNG connections.
• Govt. of India has requested Govt. of States/UTs and Central Ministries to expedite approval of applications required for expansion of CGD network.
• Govt. of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG. 10 States are getting additional commercial LPG allocation under reform measures of PNG expansion. In addition to this, application from 1 more state is under examination.
• PNGRB vide its order dated 23.03.2026 has directed all CGD entities to make all out efforts to connect residential schools & colleges, hostels, community kitchens, anganwadi kitchens etc. through PNG within 5 days, wherever pipeline infrastructure is available in near vicinity.
• Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways vide letter dated 24.03.2026 has stated that they have adopted “Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD Infrastructure with reduced timelines” as a special measure for 3 months wherein applications pertaining to CGD infrastructure shall be processed on priority.
• Govt. of India vide Gazette dated 24.03.2026 has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India’s gas-based economy.
• Ministry of Defence vide letter 27.03.2026 has issued a short-term policy modification, effective until June 30, 2026, to expedite the installation of PNG infrastructure in all residential areas/unit lines of defence.
• PNGRB has directed CGD entities to expedite D-PNG connections. Also, the National PNG Drive 2.0 (01.01.2026-31.03.2026) has now been extended till 30.06.2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion.
• More than 75,000 connections have been gasified in 110 Gas during last one week.
• Since March 2026, more than 3.42 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified. Further, more than 3.7 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections.

Crude Position and Refinery Operations

• All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place. The country is also maintaining sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel.
• Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.

Retail Fuel Availability and Pricing Measures

• All Retail outlets are operating normally across the country.
• Middle East crises has resulted into abnormal increase in the crude prices. In order to protect consumers from this impact, the Government of India has decided to absorb a part of this burden through a reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs. 10/litre.
• Further, Govt. of India has imposed export levy of Rs 21.5 per litre on diesel and Rs 29.5 per litre on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to ensure availability of these products in the domestic market.
• Instances of Panic Buying due to rumours have been noticed in certain areas, resulting in unusually high sales and heavy crowding at retail outlets. However, it is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all petrol pumps in the country.
• Regular retail prices for petrol and diesel remain unchanged and there is no price increase at retail outlets. There is under recovery of Rs. 24.40/Ltr on petrol and Rs. 104.99/Ltr on diesel to PSU OMCs.
• The Government reiterates its advice not to believe rumours. In order to curb rumours, the State Governments have also been requested to disseminate correct information through press briefings.

Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures

• Additional allocation of 48000 KL of Kerosene over and above the regular allocation has been made to all the States/UTs.
• Govt. of India vide Gazette notification dated 29.03.2026 has facilitated distribution of PDS SKO in PDS SKO Free States/UTs for cooking and lighting purpose only.
• A maximum of two PSU OMC service stations per district (preferably Company Owned Company Operated) are permitted to store up to 5,000 litres of PDS SKO.
• These PSU OMC service stations shall be designated by the State Government or UT administration in each district.
• 17 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders. Further, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have communicated that there is no SKO requirement in the State/UT.

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has put in place necessary measures to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region. The Ministry stated that:

• It continues to closely monitor shipping movements, port operations and the safety of Indian seafarers, while ensuring continuity of maritime trade.
• All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.
• A total of 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region, and the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions, is actively monitoring the situation.
• The DG Shipping Control Room remains operational 24×7 and has handled 4984 calls and 10296 emails since activation; in the past 24 hours, 99 calls and 362 emails have been received.
• DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 1130 Indian seafarers so far, including 155 in the last 24 hours from airports and various regional locations across the Gulf.
• Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported, and State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.
• The Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

Across the region, Indian Missions and Posts remain in close contact with the Indian community, while continuing to provide assistance and issue necessary advisories for their safety and well-being. As informed by Ministry:

On April 02, 2026, Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, co-chair of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC-TEC), called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi; both discussed mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, fertilizers, connectivity and people-to-people ties, and reviewed progress in implementing the outcomes of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held during President Putin’s visit to India last December.

On the same day, EAM held an in-depth conversation with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on India-Russia bilateral cooperation across trade, industry, energy, fertilizers, connectivity and mobility, and exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the conflict in West Asia.

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia region, with the safety, security and welfare of the large Indian community remaining the highest priority; a dedicated special control room is operational to support Indian nationals and their families, and regular coordination is being maintained with State Governments and Union Territories, as well as with Embassies and Consulates.

Missions and Posts across the region are operating round-the-clock helplines and remain actively engaged with Indian community associations, organisations and companies; regular advisories are being issued for nationals, students, seafarers and resident Indian communities, while Missions remain in close touch with local governments and are facilitating visas, consular services, transit through neighbouring countries where airspace restrictions apply, and logistical support wherever required.

Welfare of Indian students in the Gulf countries remains a high priority, with Missions coordinating closely with local authorities, Indian schools, relevant educational Boards and the National Testing Agency (for JEE and NEET) to ensure that the academic year is not impacted.

Missions are in continuous contact with Indian crew members on vessels across the region to ensure their welfare, providing consular assistance, facilitating communication with families, coordinating with local authorities and assisting those seeking return to India.

The overall flight situation continues to improve, with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India; since February 28, around 6,49,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India.

UAE: Airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations, with around 90 flights expected from the UAE to India.

Saudi Arabia and Oman: Flights are operating from various airports to different destinations in India.

Qatar: With partial reopening of airspace, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 8–10 flights to India.

Kuwait: Airspace remains closed; Jazeera Airways is operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam (Saudi Arabia) to India, and Kuwait Airways has also announced similar operations.

Bahrain: Airspace remains closed; Gulf Air is operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam (Saudi Arabia) to India.

Iran: In view of airspace closure, travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated through Armenia and Azerbaijan; so far, 1,267 Indians (including 860 students) have exited Iran with Mission support.

Israel: Travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated via Egypt and Jordan due to airspace restrictions.

Iraq: Travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated through Jordan and Saudi Arabia in view of airspace closure.

In view of airspace closures in Kuwait and Bahrain, travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated via Saudi Arabia to India.

New Delhi, Apr 03: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation’s biggest oil firm, on Friday said liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply in India remains stable and adequate despite geopolitical disruptions to global energy markets, adding that domestic availability continues to be its top priority.

The company said it is delivering around 28 lakh LPG cylinders daily, in line with normal levels prior to the current tensions, with uninterrupted supply to households.

IOC added that nearly 87 per cent of refill bookings are being made through digital platforms, while deliveries are being authenticated through OTP-based systems to ensure correct distribution.

“India’s LPG supply remains stable, adequate, and under close monitoring, despite ongoing geopolitical developments impacting global energy markets. Domestic LPG (supply) continues to be accorded the highest priority,” the company said in a statement.

The current deliveries of around 28 lakh LPG cylinders daily are “consistent with normal delivery levels prior to the onset of current geopolitical tensions,” it said.

Customers are encouraged to use digital modes such as SMS and IVRS for booking LPG refills. At present, nearly 87% of bookings are received through digital platforms. Deliveries are being carried out with Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC OTP) to ensure cylinders are received by the intended customers.

IOC said it is actively listening to concerns shared on its social media platforms and remains committed to addressing them promptly.

“Reports of malpractices by certain LPG distributors have been noted through social media and customer complaints. To curb black marketing and hoarding, multiple cross-functional teams have been deployed to conduct surprise inspections of LPG distributorships,” it said.

The firm said it has stepped up enforcement against malpractices, conducting more than 7,500 inspections and taking action against 141 distributors, including suspending five. In coordination with state authorities and other oil marketing companies, around 68,000 raids have been carried out, leading to 855 FIRs and the seizure of over 48,000 cylinders.

“Action has been taken against 141 LPG distributors, including suspension of 5 distributors,” it said. “IndianOil, as well as other oil marketing companies, is working closely with State Governments across the country to prevent malpractices and curb hoarding.”

So far, around 68,000 raids have been conducted, 855 FIRs registered, and more than 48,000 cylinders seized.

IOC urged customers not to resort to panic booking or hoarding, stating there is no shortage of LPG, and advised consumers to rely only on official communication channels for information.

“IndianOil reassures all Indane customers that supplies remain adequate and stable, and there is no shortage of LPG in the country. Customers are advised not to queue at LPG distributorships and to avoid panic booking or stocking of LPG cylinders. They are also urged not to believe in rumours and to rely only on official sources of information,” the statement added.

The company said it remains fully committed to ensuring seamless LPG availability, transparency in distribution, and strict enforcement against malpractice.