By Nawaz Yasin Islam
SHILLONG: The implementation of semester system at the Under Graduate level has received its fair share of accolades and criticism. The University administration and the Meghalaya College Teachers Association (MCTA) including the Syngkhong Kyntiew Ri (SKR), an organization of Hynniewtrep University and College teachers are yet to iron out their differences over the `desirability’ and `feasibility’ of the proposed system.
The New Initiatives under the 11th Plan – Academic reforms in higher education along with several other measures planned for overhauling of higher education in the country was mooted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) sometime in the early part of 2008.
North Eastern Hill University has depicted a lackadaisical attitude by making the colleges aware of such a proposal only in 2011 for a 2012 implementation, justifying which, the NEHU controller of examinations, Dr L Cajee said, ”Notifications from UGC as such do not reach the university instantly. Ever after receiving, the university sits to chalk out a mode of action and discussions pertaining to this have started from 2010”. Adding to this, allegations are that there has been no platform for a wider consultation with the stake holders in this matter.
Sharp criticisms have come from the teaching fraternity over the nature of implementation that is being followed. Most of the issues revolve around a central point that the authorities are yet to hold a proper meeting with all the teachers and take their points into consideration.
F F Ropmay, president of the Syngkhong Kyntiew Ri mentioned that the VC of NEHU has met with the Principal council to address this issue. “It is unacceptable that such a big change over is chalked after consulting only a few office bearers of associations and the Principal council. Agreement is out of the question unless everyone is apprised of the same.” A simple reply in this matter came from Dr Cajee who believes that the head of an institute is apt for representing the issues raised by the larger audience.
The issues raised by the SKR in respect of the unprepared implementation of the system have been more of a voice for the voiceless and has gone down well with both students and parents alike who claim the validity of points that require immediate attention.
The primary cause of concern with the semester system is the lack in uniformity and the loss of credibility that could hamper the examination system considering the fact that NEHU has proposed conducting examinations only for the first three years and subsequently delegating responsibility entirely to the colleges. This undeniably raises a serious question over NEHU’s accountability since it is an affiliating university. The controller of examinations however claims that this step is essential for ensuring the smoother conduct of examination and maintaining the result declaration deadlines.
One of the characteristic features of the semester system is the limit in the intake of students. For example the number of students in the first year degree (Honours) in Arts stream exceeds 50 in some of the big colleges, and the total strength of students in each of the elective subject ranges from 200 to 300 in number.
SKR has highlighted that if the same number of students is maintained under the semester system which comprises of semester examinations as well as mandated internal assessments and assignments; it will make the entire evaluation and assessment process unwieldy, tardy and will ultimately affect the quality of teaching and delivery system in the colleges, given the constraints of time. Dr Cajee refuting these claims has mentioned that the intake depends on the colleges and problems can be addressed if focus is maintained on the subject combinations.
The hitch that may arise in the student teacher ratio has been raised time and again. Ropmay said, “How will flawless performance come about if the ratio is not rationalized and strictly adhered to as per the norms prescribed by the UGC.”
The teacher’s body has also raised the matter concerning infrastructure by relating the feasibility of acceptance to proper facilities. “A switchover can’t happen overnight and this has to be sorted out,” Ropmay said adding that there were many colleges outside the city walls that lacked in this area.
It is worth mentioning that affiliation is granted to a college only after considering several aspects and infrastructure is one priority. Dr Cajee in his counter claim said, “We have a college development council and affiliation is granted after proper scrutiny and therefore implementing semester system in the same will not be a problem. Bare minimum is always a criterion.”
NEHU vice-chancellor Prof A N Rai maintained that matters as such should be taken up with the State government. “Issues relating to faculty members and shifts are not in our domain. The organisations have been told so and I myself met with the Education minister and apprised him of such issues.” He added that a policy is not framed by NEHU but by UGC and the university only lays down the norms. “We have implemented this system in our undergraduate courses like law and BTech without much of a hassle.”
Neither the MCTA nor the SKR have hinted at opposition in the implementation of the semester system but they have time and again raised their concerns over the probable hasty and ill prepared implementation of this system at the Undergraduate level which will eventually be a neck breaker for the students.
A proper addressed discussion of the core issues between the authorities and the concerned colleges is the undeniable need of the hour.