Editor,
With Common University Entrance Test (CUET) in place, NEHU being a Central University has agreed to admit students to various Under Graduate Courses through various Colleges affiliated to it in the State based on CUET scores to be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) before the new Academic Session of 2022-23. The CUET no doubt will bring a level playing field for students seeking admission in any of the Indian Central Universities as different State Boards have different styles of setting question papers and evaluation of scripts thereby lacking uniformity in giving grades to students.
As far as Meghalaya is concerned there is one loophole which I would like to point out so that the concerned authority (Meghalaya Government, DHTE and NEHU), and Students Unions can take immediate steps to remove the confusion of the students who will be appearing for the CUET. The problem is with Section IA and IB of the Test which most students in Meghalaya will face. Section IA consists of 13 Languages: (Medium of the Test) i.e. Tamil, Telegu, Kanada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Odiya, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, English, Urdu and Hindi. Section IB consists of 20 languages: i.e. French, Spanish, German, Nepali, Persian, Italian, Arabic, Sindhi, Sanskrit, Kashmiri, Kankani, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Tibetan, Japanese, Russian and Chinese. The maximum paper that a student can choose is from any three languages and the minimum paper is from any two languages from section IA and IB. Looking at the options available, most of native students of the state who have not studied Hindi will be left only with one paper, English, thus not meeting the minimum criteria needed.
The process of online submission of application for CUET is on and ends on May 6, 2022 (up to 11:50 PM). It would also be necessary for the State Education Board to study the subject combination as given in the Domain Specific Subjects of CUET to make our students well equipped to appear for the entrance test in the future. Last but not the least why not have our own State University? It has been 50 Years of Statehood and yet we have not been able to have one State University, or a medical or engineering college!
Yours etc.,
A.M. Rynjah,
Shillong-14
Rape: A crime most foul
Editor,
Apropos the letter by Salil Gewali, ‘Increasing rape cases in West Bengal’ (ST April 15, 2022) I too would like to raise my voice against such atrocities upon women, particularly the minor girls who fall victims to the cruel game of dirty politics in West Bengal. Mr. Sugata Roy, TMC MP aptly said that not even a single incident of violence should occur in state helmed by a woman Chief Minister and it is a matter of shame if even a single crime against women is reported here where the state is headed by a woman!
Alas! To the contrary, the Chief Minister herself supported the heinous act of barbarism of the miscreants by treating it like a joke and attributing it to an act of merriments of the youngsters. She even took the side of the men on the issue of forced pregnancy on minors by the miscreants! What can be more shameful and idiotic on the part of a Chief Minister who herself is a woman! As a woman myself I can only express my anguish against such an irresponsible woman ruler of a state like West Bengal.
Yours etc.,
Uma Purkayastha
Shillong – 4
Envisioning threats
Editor
Spiralling world events from Ukraine to Sri Lanka, whether territorial conflicts or economic warfare affects all and Meghalaya is not immune to the events of a globalized world. Recently a group Lawei ba Phyrnai surfaced threatening to create havoc across Shillong. This is because of the frustration of a certain populace which has a grouse against the government. Education in the state is at its lowest ebb with lack of depth and critical thinking and the reliance on textbooks which do not prepare them for the real world. Coming to the north eastern region the lack of cross-cultural engagements between student communities is another factor. This is because of the hype created by different pressure groups against the “other” and of course our beloved political masters who themselves have become blind to the issues afflicting people but have turned themselves into swashbuckling magnates that would put those named in the Panama Papers to shame.
The lack of imagination in strategy and thinking will push the state backwards and new threats from cyber warfare, bioterrorism, drug trafficking to name a few will increase with COVID acting as the catalyst. Michael A. Sheehan, author of the book, ‘Crush the Cell’ (How to Defeat Terrorism Without Terrorizing Ourselves) hits the nail hard on the head by differentiating actual threats from hype using offensive operational intelligence. This is the key rather than wasting resources on wrong measures on the plea of protecting us citizens. This all starts with rewiring our mindset to a new level, particularly the sleepwalking government machinery.
Yours etc.,
Christopher Gatphoh,
Shillong-10
NEP’s dual undergraduate courses
Editor,
The University Grants Commission’s (UGC’s) decision to allow students to pursue two undergraduate or postgraduate degrees/diplomas simultaneously in the physical, online or combination modes is in line with the National Education Policy’s principle of eliminating silos in education. The decision widens opportunities for students in higher education. On the other hand, it poses several challenges. How students, teachers and those involved in education respond to this move is very important.
There is no denying the fact that courses must give students scope for employability. The Indian education system has always been criticised for its limited scope for employability. In contrast to traditional courses, vocational courses provide more job opportunities. However, traditional courses have their own importance. The UGC’s move gives equal importance to traditional and vocational courses. As students are allowed to pursue degree/diploma courses from two different universities or the same university, they will gain greater exposure. It also enables students to compare the courses of different universities. Besides, teaching and learning will become more student-oriented. Since physical and online modes of learning are allowed, students are free to join courses of their choice.
Given that there are many drawbacks in the present higher education system, radical changes are needed to meet the challenges of the present time. While the UGC’s move is commendable, the challenges it poses need to be dealt with. To begin with, doing two courses simultaneously is strenuous. Secondly, when dual degrees become a prescribed qualification for jobs, those who fail to pursue dual degrees will not get opportunities. Thirdly, when students pursue two courses, the issue of attendance may arise. Fourthly, there are concerns about the certainty of acquiring deep knowledge in two different subjects. Despite the challenges the UGC’s move poses, the dual degree system has a lot of positives too. There must be proper planning in its implementation so that it does not affect students’ future.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS.,
Kollam