Editor,
We the ordinary citizens of Meghalaya are grateful to the President of State BJP for revealing the corruption in all the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Meghalaya (ST Sep 9, 2020). Subsequently the BJP President has stressed only on the corruption occurring in two ADCs (GHADC and JHADC). The BJP President and others and even the Opposition Leader, Dr Mukul Sangma appear to have ignored the corruption in KHADC with respect to the establishment of a Museum at Sunny Hills, Shillong which could not be found at the proposed site though it is said that 85 percent of the work had been completed. (ST Sep 9, 2020). Rs. 4.15 crore meant for the Museum is no small amount and cannot be ignored. What about crores of rupees misappropriated during the Monolith Festival in the past years? This also needs CBI enquiry. We would like to know the fate of the Museum through your newspaper and would like to request the President, BJP to let us know the present position of the Museum.
In the case of JHADC, the CEM and CM have also clarified that there is no corruption but only temporary diversion of funds of Rs. 20 crore to pay the salaries of employees which would be recovered when the state Government releases its share of revenue. It is astonishing to know that the state Government has withheld the share of JHADC almost six months after the current financial year had elapsed.
Yours etc.
- Kyndaid
Jowai.
DERT Rejoinder
Editor,
The Adjusted Academic Calendar (AAC) is an outcome of the rationalization of the MBOSE Course of Studies to mitigate learning loss due to the closure of schools to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic. The AAC for classes IX-XII for the session 2020-21 has been brought out as a one-time measure to reduce exam stress and pressure on students through a reduction of the MBOSE Course of Studies. The portions removed will not be part of Internal Assessment or the Board examination 2021. However, if teachers feel that any of the portions removed are required and need to be imparted for the benefit of the students, the same can be taught and assessed internally.
Further, if any school/teacher has covered topics that are not a part of the Adjusted Academic Calendar for Classes IX-XII in the session 2020-21, the same can be a part of Internal Assessment.
The entire process was carried out through large scale consultations with various school principals, teachers and college faculty from different districts of the State. The role of the DERT was to merely facilitate, build consensus and collate the contributions of teachers and subject experts. Due to health advisories and protocols in place, the task of undertaking the rationalization of the MBOSE Course of Studies was made all the more difficult as consultations, reviews and drafting activities had to be done through virtual mode.
Despite these challenges, principals, school and college teachers were able to collaborate with the Education Department and bring out the AAC in record time.
The larger principle behind the exercise was to promote cumulative learning and not discrete learning. For example, inclusion of conservation of mineral resources is meant to help students understand broader ecological benefits while the topic pertaining to agriculture productivity embeds the concept of food grains production and the role of technology. Delicate and conscious decisions were made while removing content and at the same time ensuring students are exposed to learning progression with focus on concept attainment.
Yes we admit to typological errors and a few overlaps on account of human error, but to belittle the work of all those involved in the exercise would tantamount to questioning the very capabilities and intentions of those who contributed their time and efforts. We are also open to suggestions on how to mitigate learning losses in the State. Kindly share your suggestions at [email protected].
Yours etc.,
I/c Director,
Directorate of Educational Research & Training,
Meghalaya, Shillong