By Benjamin Lyngdoh
The one and only mandate of a university is to work for the development of the students. This is the only yardstick by which a university is to be viewed and evaluated. If the students benefit from a university, then it has justified its existence, otherwise not. In the conflict between NEHU authorities and the teachers over the implementation of NEP 2020, the students have become the collateral damage. This is unfortunate when in education ‘students’ development’ should be the only parameter upon which all actions are predicated.
Due to the conflict the image of teachers has been tarnished in the last three months. It is important to recall that students do not look at teachers only as someone who would just deliver and complete a syllabus. Teachers are viewed as role models and leaders with a social responsibility. They are seen as someone who would encourage and inspire through their words and actions. The NEP conflict has made the future of the year 2023 first semester students uncertain especially with the examinations at under graduate level commencing from November, 2023. The conflict has resulted in a rift between NEHU and the teachers and amongst colleges. Some colleges are moving ahead with the implementation of NEP while some are not. While respecting the contributions of the part-time and contractual teachers, it is rather alarming that the majority of the first semester students in colleges are today learning without the services of the regular and experienced teachers.
If ever there was a time for NEHU authorities, teachers and college principals to come together and brainstorm for solutions, that time is now! A common ground for such a deliberation to take place is ‘in the interest of students.’ There is no problem that cannot be solved when the major stakeholders work in tandem for solutions. It would be good if the teachers at large see their social worth which goes together with social responsibility towards progress and development and act accordingly.
It is important to note the difference in perspectives of teachers and students. Perhaps, this might just help us see and understand the conflict more objectively. Teachers are quoting rules, regulation and set procedures to be followed in the implementation of NEP. No one can say for certain what will happen to this stance once the examinations start in November. In all likelihood the evaluation of answer scripts would suffer. Maybe even the validity of the results will be in question. Any which way we look at it what’s sure is that education of the students has taken a back seat. This is the sort of negative/distorted environment that they are being exposed to. For students, rules and procedural conflicts are a non-issue. For them the matter is straight-forward and simple. If they see something new with a potential to provide better knowledge and skills, they would like to be a part of it. What the current conflict has done is that it has made them view teachers as being irresponsible and insensitive to their needs. The question to be asked is whether a delay of one year in NEP implementation would bring about any visible impact? In Meghalaya nothing much happens even in five years, let alone a year. Even if implemented after a year, the same challenges would remain. What do we do then? Ask for another year’s grace? It is better to get on with it and fix efforts on solutions and not problems.
Here are two stories on the hurt of students. Ferdinand (name changed) expressed disappointment that he has entered college education at this uncertain time. He fails to understand as to why the implementation of NEP has run into rough waters. While stating that he has learned little in the current semester, he even fears for the future semesters and the value of his results. He says ‘no wonder Meghalaya’s indices in education status are always very low.’ In his considered view he thought this problem lies only at the elementary levels of education. But now, while in higher education he sadly quips that he is experiencing the same sorry state of affairs. Roselyn (name changed) pinpoints that she has paid her college fees as required with the intention of good and quality education. However, now she feels robbed in broad day light. While she acknowledges the contributions of all teachers, she says it is unfair for the experienced and regular teachers to go teach her seniors but not come to her class. She says, ‘What are we? Some sort of untouchables?’ Brave and out-spoken Roselyn bemoans that the teachers are playing with their future and have turned them into literal guinea pigs while at the same time taking hefty monthly salaries back home. It can be said that these two stories reflect the opinions of many students. After all they are the ones at the receiving end.
One of the reasons for the prolonged conflict is the seemingly indifferent attitude of the state government. Since this issue concerns thousands of students the government should have been duty-bound to step in and intervene at the appropriate time. However, till date it has maintained a studied silence. It simply gave some placating statements occasionally. Well, that is not good enough. Not when the future of students is at stake.
It would be good if Education Minister Rakkam Sangma takes proactive steps such as in setting up a task force to do some research and understand the facts of the issue and then streamline solutions. Or is MDA 2.0 keeping silent as this conflict has antecedents of a political conflict? With NPP leading the government can it be said that it views the NEP conflict as a political strategy of other political parties of Meghalaya? Even if this is possible, it does not justify the government shying away from solving the problem.
The silence of students’ pressure groups is surprising. Some of them will say that they have said and threatened enough, but no, in terms of the ground situation it is not sufficient. In truth, they should have all come forward as one team and make their case for the welfare of the students. As pressure groups they should have engaged with the state government and that is where their onus lies. However, till date there is nothing productive to this effect. Realise that once November examinations starts, this conflict has the potential to turn into chaos. That is exactly the type of situation all want to avoid. For that to take place, the student pressure groups must act like students first and take the responsibility of ending the conflict. Time and again they are provided with opportunities to become major players in society. It is perplexing why they never take advantage of such opportunities.
In the end, conflicts have a negative connotation. But conflicts are also valuable as they have the potential to bring people together, then change perspectives, bonds and finally give birth to solutions. It is just that someone or some party shall have to take the lead! (Email – [email protected])