Correct Option
The correct option is (d).
Explanation
The National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986 was a landmark document in the history of Indian education. It fundamentally shifted the approach towards the population, treating it as a critical component of nation-building through the concept of Human Resource Development.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The policy explicitly states that "Human beings are a positive asset and a precious national resource." This marked a departure from viewing the large population solely as a burden, instead recognizing its potential economic and social value.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Building on the idea of humans as a resource, the policy asserts that this resource needs to be "cherished, nurtured, and developed with tenderness and care, coupled with dynamism." It emphasizes the necessity of investing in the individual's growth.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The policy recognizes education as a transformative force. It mentions that the "catalytic action of education in this complex and dynamic growth process needs to be planned meticulously and executed with great sensitivity." This highlights the need for structured and strategic educational planning to achieve development goals.
Key Takeaway
The National Policy on Education (1986) is the primary document that institutionalized the concept of Human Capital Formation in India, viewing education as a unique investment for the present and the future.