No interference needed in Education sector: Indigenous Organisations
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: There must not be any interference of any sort in the Education sector. We also sincerely feel that the political parties and also the politicians should immediately make this pledge publicly.
This was stated in the joint memorandum of 31 indigenous organisations – including the AASU (All Assam Students Union) — that was submitted to State Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu during the meeting held at the premises of the SSA (Sarva Siksha Abhiyan), Kahilipara here on Monday.
The meeting focussed on a number of vital issues of students across the State. The memorandum comprises 18 such issues and a 60-demand charter.
The prominent issues included the operation purview of both the government and also the vernacular-medium educational institutions; school amalgamation; admission processes; and constitution of the 'School Assessment Commission' – on the lines of NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) among others.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Minister Pegu said, "There is no shortage of seats in the Higher Education sector. We have also suggested morning and evening shifts in this regard. Besides, steps have been initiated to convert many High Schools into HS (Higher Secondary) schools. At the same time, a number of private schools have been also granted permission to start Class-XI courses."
The Minister stressed, "No politicization has taken place in the State Education sector."
The Education Minister also stated that the scheme of free admission in schools is still valid but subject to the condition that the income of the guardians of those candidates must be within the range of Rs 2 lakh.
The educational institutions will operate by following the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) issued by the Health department. There won't be any specific SOPs from the Education department, added the Education Minister.
He further said that the 'Fees Regulatory Authority" will determine the details with regards to the private educational institutions.
Minister Pegu further told the delegation that "the Education department will prepare the details on the demand charter of the 30 indigenous organisations of the State", adding that "more discussions will be held with the stakeholders".
Meanwhile, AASU chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya said, "The government has assured us that it will provide the detailed replies to our demands within 15 days. Talks will continue to find solutions to the varied issues of students in Assam."
He added, "We appeal to the government to adopt steps for securing the future of the up-and-coming generation. It is significant that such a wide-based discussion has taken place on the State Education sector.
AASU president Dipanko Kumar Nath said, "The government has said that from 2023, there will no HS classes in the colleges. We also discussed the NEP (National Education Policy) and its probable impact in Assam."
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