Assessing the Integration of Media Literacy in the National Education Policy: A Case Study of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the integration of media literacy within India’s National Education Policy (NEP), with a particular focus on the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). Formulated in 2020, the NEP outlines a vision for reshaping India’s education system to meet the challenges of the 21st century, emphasizing the importance of developing critical thinking, digital literacy, and media awareness among students. The NEP acknowledges the need to prepare students for an increasingly complex digital world, where information is abundant, but often unreliable. Media literacy, as a crucial component of this vision, is seen as key to fostering informed, responsible, and critically aware citizens. However, while media literacy is part of the national agenda, its integration at the state level—particularly in UP—remains a complex challenge.