SHILLONG, Aug 5: In what may mean that the impasse over implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is set for a long haul, a resolute Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) on Saturday asserted that their non-cooperation movement will go on since none of the issues flagged by the association have been addressed so far.
Talking to The Shillong Times after a meeting, MCTA general secretary, Airpeace W Rani, said that they had demanded the Vice Chancellor of NEHU, Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla to withdraw the notification dated July 12 for implementation of the NEP, which, it contended, is illegitimate.
It may be recalled that MCTA had on July 29 decided to protest against the ‘illegitimate’ decision of the VC to push through the implementation of NEP 2020 by allegedly disrespecting appropriate processes of decision-making.
The association had also pointed out that the notification dated July 12 is wanting of approval by the Academic Council, which, the MCTA said, is a prerequisite step that ensures the policy’s validity and appropriateness.
The MCTA has asserted that the Academic Council serves as the key body in ensuring the integrity and suitability of educational policies in our institutions.
“Implementing the NEP without the Council’s endorsement bypasses a crucial process of checks and balances in our education system. We believe that the NEHU’s decision to go ahead with the implementation of the NEP, without proper authorization, is not in the best interests of the students, faculty, or the broader academic community,” the MCTA had stated.
Meanwhile, MCTA general secretary Rani also stated that the VC has not responded to the demand of the association to convene a meeting of the Academic Council.
He further said that the VC is yet to reply to the letter which was sent to him. “We had expected the VC to invite us for dialogue. But this also has not taken place,” MCTA general secretary said.
Rani also said that the state government has also not taken any step to resolve the current impasse. “Therefore, we are left with no option but to continue with our protest,” he added.
PT Sawkmie wants govt to break the ice
Former MLA PT Sawkmie on Saturday asked the state government to break the ice by intervening in the impasse between the NEHU authorities and MCTA over NEP implementation.
A concerned Sawkmie said, “…the ‘adamant attitude’ of the Vice Chancellor is worsening the situation since he is not ready to listen to the request of the teachers to convene an emergent meeting of the Academic Council to deliberate over the matter. What I feel is that the Vice Chancellor should have at least replied to the letter of the MCTA,” the former MLA said.
According to him, the ongoing non-cooperation movement of the MCTA to boycott the classes of first semester is affecting the students.
Sawkmie also said that the state government should help in finding ways or even act as a mediator so as to break the ice between the NEHU VC and MCTA.
“Otherwise there will be no end to this impasse,” the former MLA added.