‘We do not recognise NEP due to its illegitimate imposition’
SHILLONG, Aug 18: Refusing to budge on their stand, the Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) on Friday reiterated that they remain steadfast in their opposition to the forced implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and demanded immediate revocation of the illegitimate notification by the North-Eastern Hill University.
The MCTA, in a pivotal meeting on Friday, also unanimously decided to continue its non-cooperation movement against the implementation of the NEP.
MCTA general secretary Airpeace W. Rani said the decision is grounded in the association’s assertion that the NEP was improperly and illegitimately imposed on colleges by NEHU.
He further said that they came to a resolution that their members will conduct the first-semester classes under the old (three-year) syllabus. The decision came to effect on Friday.
He said the MCTA does not recognise the NEP due to its illegitimate imposition and, as a result, will not instruct classes based on the NEP syllabus (four-year programme).
Rani said the paramount concern of the association is the Vice Chancellor’s notification through the OSD, College Development Council, dated July 12, 2023, which seeks to implement the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) under the NEP in colleges.
“We urgently call for the withdrawal of this notification, highlighting the stark discrepancies in its logic. All students admitted to the undergraduate program in 2023 were done so under the three-year programme. To instruct these students under a new syllabus would not only be illegal but also grossly illogical,” he said.
According to him, it is noteworthy that even within NEHU’s haste to impose the new policy, inconsistencies have been observed. One blatant example is the Department of Music, which, as of now, does not even possess a revised syllabus under the NEP.
He said that it is a glaring oversight to expect this department to function with the old system while other departments are transitioned to the new one. Overall, this shows the unpreparedness for the implementation of the said policy, he stated.
“The MCTA stands firm in its opposition against these incongruities and demands a logical and just academic framework for all students and faculties alike. The MCTA strongly advocates that the implementation of the NEP should be methodically executed as per the University’s rules,” he said.
“Moreover, it is imperative that all stakeholders, including faculty, students, and administrative personnel, be given an opportunity to voice their perspectives, and that challenges are duly addressed before any changes are instituted,” he added.