By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) while welcoming the semester system in undergraduate colleges by NEHU have also expressed serious misgivings about the manner in which the University seeks to implement the new system without consulting the major stakeholders.
In a letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor NEHU the MCTA while lauding NEHU for implementing the semester system at the under graduation (UG) level in the State from the next academic session, said the University had failed to consult the students, teachers, parents and institutions for their inputs and feedbacks before the final decision was taken.
Most institutions presently run two shifts for their Bachelor Degree course – the morning and day shift to accommodate the growing number of students. The MCTA said it is unclear if the shift system would continue in the proposed semester system.
The MCTA also pointed out that at present there are two bachelor degree courses – Honours and Pass course. It said that clarity is needed on whether the two bachelor degree courses would be run concurrently under the new system. The Committee for working out the details of the semester system did not have any representation from the colleges in any of its meetings.The present system of syllabi preparation does not involve the college faculty, the MCTA said adding that this is a major lacunae.
The present strength of teaching faculty in the different departments in the Deficit colleges of the state is not as per the norms set by the University. The situation is more complex in Adhoc, Grant-in-Aid Colleges where each department has only one or two faculty. The MCTA felt that the onus to appoint the required faculty rests with NEHU as per guidelines set by UGC.The Association feels that the introduction of the new system cannot be made operational by splitting the existing syllabus. A completely new syllabus as per UGC guidelines and in conformity with the requirements of the semester system has to be designed keeping the interest of the students in mind.