PM's intervention sought into move to close HRD centre

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati, April 10: Employees of Technical Support Group (TSC), NE-Guwahati have sought intervention of Prime Minister rendra Modi to put pressure on the Union Human Resource Development Ministry to withdraw its recent decision to close down the city centre.

The city-based TSC for eight North Eastern states including Sikkim was established by the HRD Ministry with the logistic support of EdCIL (India), a central PSU in July 2006 with a vision to bridge the support gap from the HRD Ministry in elementary education in all NE states. Sources said the HRD Ministry recently decided to close down the Guwahati office of TSC without citing any reason to employees who were posted in the city.

On April 7 employees of TSC dashed off a letter to the Prime Minister explaining that the closure of the Guwahati office would adversely impact effective implementation of the HRD Ministry’s projects, especially in the field of elementary education in the region. The letter said instead of closing down the HRD Ministry should have strengthened the office with additiol responsibilities of middle and higher education.

Employees through the letter told the Prime Minister that the HRD ministry’s decision would not only make them to lose their bread and butter but also deprive the region from getting quality elementary education.

The letter has stated that the TSC office was involved in monitoring development of elementary education of NE by collecting data, support, alysis, interaction with state bodies, providing reports on behalf of the HRD Ministry. Those associated and employed with the office used to engage in intensive tours to remote areas of NE states to make implementation of the HRD Ministry’s projects successful over the years. The TSC staff used to visit many difficult areas such as those hit by insurgency of the region.

Chandan Sarma, one of the sigtories of the letter, said they have faith in the Prime Minister and his concern for the NE region. He said the PM would definitely do something to convince the HRD Ministry to withdraw its decision.