IMPHAL, May 16: Education minister Dr Kh Ratankumar has given another assurance that he will do nothing to harm the prestige and honour of teachers.
He made the statement while speaking as the chief guest at a one-day state level discussion on ‘Manipur Higher Education Code from the Perspective of RUSA and UGC’ which was organised at State Guest House by Federation of Government College Teachers’ Association (FEGOCTA).
The minister made an interesting observation while discussing the topic – The Proposed Code 2015. “It is unknown how this confidential document got leaked to the public domain providing the opportunity for people to discuss and issue comments about it. In a way, this has become a blessing in disguise as public feedbacks can now be gathered more exhaustively,” he said.
He admitted that the government teachers were not consulted in drafting the Proposed Code 2015, which was originally meant to cover only aided and private colleges. “Hence their concerns have been apprised to the Chief Minister and an informal discussion was also held within the Cabinet. Another interface is scheduled for tomorrow with the education director to channel FEGOCTA’s concerns,” he said.
While voicing his concerns regarding the disturbances in academic atmosphere from frequent strikes, bandhs and blockades, he implored the teachers to refashion ways of retaining and attracting students.
Asserting that countries with radical investment in education and health sector had led to substantial advancements, he encouraged the teachers to pay attention towards their societal responsibilities especially in nurturing the future generation. While supporting the teachers on asserting their rights, he also reminded them to carry out their duty and responsibility to act as proactive role models and extend quality education to all.
Prof E Bijoykumar Singh, who was also present as the guest of honour on the occasion, emphasized on the imperative need to reflect on human value system and look beyond personal self for the larger benefit of the society in a student centric approach.
He stated that India is imbibing several radical reforms in the education sector and we should be in a state of preparedness about this changes.
“For instance the new education policy is awaited with much eagerness as there would be a visible shift in ushering change in the system” he said. He suggested the possibility of an education think tank to improve college and university education.
L Randhoni Devi, president FEGOCTA also submitted several proposals on upholding the welfare of the teacher community. Dr N Somorendro Singh, general secretary FEGOCTA , in his keynote address highlighted the deviation and violation of RUSA guidelines and UGC regulations in the Proposed Code 2015 of Manipur State.
It was followed by a technical session on institutional structure under RUSA at the state level and colleges, academic freedom, recruitment, CAS promotions and retirement age under UGC regulations 2010, NAAC accreditation and the role of IQAC under UGC regulation 2010 and financing under RUSA.