Education Minister’s vacuous claims
Editor,
This letter is written in response to the Education Minister’s press statement to a section of the media on September 11, 2023 where he mentioned the proactive steps taken by the government to improve the education sector especially in government aided colleges.
Firstly, I would like to seek clarification from the Education Minister who has recently taken charge regarding his statement vis a vis the sanctioned teaching posts in the deficit and ad-hoc colleges in the state. Can he categorically state how many of the total number of posts have been sanctioned in the last decade in each of these aided colleges? As far as I am aware the number of sanctioned posts for teaching staff has not increased much in these colleges for the government to make the claim of “proactive steps.” Rather a majority of the sanctioned posts he mentioned were those already created two to three decades earlier.
Secondly, many of these deficit and ad-hoc colleges which had over the last two decades introduced new departments have done so by recruiting teachers in the college posts. (while a few through recruitment in sanctioned posts which are transferred posts that were earlier allocated to other existing departments). If one carries out a study in the colleges both ad-hoc and deficit, especially those located in Shillong one will find that there is an increase in the number of posts of college -appointed teachers in these colleges. Further the study will also reveal that many of these teachers are paid a consolidated pay while a few receive regular scale of pay. This lack of uniform minimum pay structure is because their pay is determined by the respective Governing Bodies of these institutions and based on the financial condition of the institution. Sadly for these categories of teachers, although they perform the same work as the sanctioned post college teachers the very right of “ equal pay for equal work” is violated and till date it remains a far cry. In the private colleges which have mushroomed over the years the plight of these teachers is even worse where they are paid a pittance for their service of nation building.
To add to this the government which claims it is proactive has till date not taken any steps to ensure that the services of teachers in ‘college posts’ are protected. This means the government has not done anything to ensure that these colleges which are aided by the government adopt uniform service rules for the category of college post teachers. The plight of these educated employed youth is that they are exploited though they perform the role of nation- builders. Though the Government of Meghalaya has notified the Management Rules in 2013 to govern the Governing Bodies of these institutions it has sadly not mentioned any rules or regulations that will safeguard the interests of these college posts teachers who are under the direct control of the Governing Body/ Management.
Thirdly, the introduction of the NEP 2020 and the FYUP programme where new and additional courses like Skill Enhancement and Multi Disciplinary Courses etc., the Government which claims to be proactive has not even sanctioned new posts. Had the government been committed to improving the education sector and our unemployed youth they could have done so if they had planned the implementation of NEP by sanctioning additional posts at least for these courses. Sadly, it may be pointed out that even a college run by the government is recruiting teachers for these new courses on an hourly basis. As a matter of fact when the Supreme Court had passed a judgement on introducing Environmental Education (M C Mehta vs Union of India case in 1991) as a subject in colleges the Government has till date not created sanctioned posts for the deficit and aided colleges for this subject in Deficit and ad-hoc colleges. Colleges which were compelled to introduce this subject in the semester system and continue running this course now, renamed as value-added courses under FYUP are doing so by recruiting teachers under college posts.
Lastly, the number of aided and private colleges are far more than the government colleges in the state. Is it not high time for this proactive government under the leadership of an efficient Education Minister to walk the talk and act proactively rather than making tall claims of what the Government has done for these aided institutions.
Education as a subject is under the Concurrent List implying that it is as much the responsibility of the centre as it is of the state. The NEP 2020 is a policy of the centre and currently is being run in all colleges through our proactive Government which is concerned about our youth but where and what are the steps taken so far by this proactive Government towards ensuring quality? The answer is that in the last three decades the government’s preparedness has not been visible. It has hardly created a substantial number of sanctioned posts. Rather the Government has shrugged off its responsibility towards the colleges of which the majority are aided and private. If the Minister claims otherwise can he publicly share how many posts have been created in the aided colleges – college wise. The fact of the matter is that the only step that the Government has taken so far is the constitution of the State Education Commission in July 2023.
Yours etc.,
A Basaiawmoit,
Via email
Jawaan: A powerful cinematic experience
Editor,
In a society where political discourse often takes a back seat to entertainment and sensationalism, the recently released film “Jawaan” has emerged as a powerful reminder of the critical role informed and engaged citizens play in shaping the future of their country. Directed by Atlee and featuring the iconic Shah Rukh Khan, “Jawaan” boldly addresses various pressing political and social issues, offering a thought-provoking narrative that transcends the confines of the silver screen.
At a time when media outlets and governmental agencies have struggled to effectively convey the gravity of certain societal challenges, “Jawaan” steps forward to bridge the gap. The film courageously tackles issues that have plagued the nation for years, issues that often go ignored or minimized amidst the noise of daily life.
One of the central themes of the movie is the alarming rate of farmer suicides in India, shedding light on the plight of those who feed the nation but remain ensnared in debt and despair. “Jawaan” forces us to confront the harsh realities faced by these individuals and their families, urging us to consider what more can be done to support agriculture and rural communities.
Furthermore, the film delves into the rampant corruption in the healthcare sector, a subject that hits close to home for many citizens who have experienced the frustrations of a broken system. It unapologetically portrays the need for a comprehensive overhaul of this sector, emphasizing that lives are at stake.
Perhaps most importantly, “Jawaan” emphasizes the disconnect between elected officials and the public, highlighting how far removed those in power can become from the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. Through the character of Vikram Rathore, the film calls on us to demand greater accountability from our leaders and to actively engage in the democratic process.
While the film serves as a compelling mirror reflecting society’s issues, it doesn’t stop there. “Jawaan” also offers a glimmer of hope, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against injustice and advocating for change. It sends a powerful message that ordinary citizens have the power to make a difference, especially through their votes.
In a time when voter apathy and disillusionment with the political system are prevalent, “Jawaan” serves as a wake-up call. It encourages audiences not only to appreciate the cinematic experience but also to introspect and take action. The film reminds us that being a responsible citizen is not limited to casting a vote every few years; it involves actively participating in the democratic process, holding leaders accountable, and working towards positive change in our communities.
In summary, “Jawaan” is not just a film; it’s a powerful call to action. It demonstrates the potential of cinema to engage, inform, and inspire. It challenges us to be educated and responsible citizens who can shape a brighter future for our nation. “Jawaan” is indeed a must-watch movie that offers both entertainment and enlightenment, reminding us that our voices and votes can make a profound impact on the society we live in.
Yours etc.,
R Sarki,
Via email