Northeast News – Resolution of NEP impasse still a far cry

Reconsider approach to NEP, NEHU VC appeals MCTA

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 28: NEHU vice chancellor, Prabha Shankar Shukla has appealed to the Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) to reconsider their approach in the interest of the students spread across the Northeast.
In a statement here on Monday, he expressed his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any concerns and invited the members of the MCTA for an open discussion for an amicable resolution.
He emphasised that the adoption of the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) was a significant stride toward holistic education and said he was confident that this transformative step would pave the way for a brighter and more enriching academic journey for the students.
Prof Shukla lauded the resolute commitment displayed by the affiliated colleges in swiftly adopting the FYUP as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“As the 2023-24 academic session commenced, NEHU and its affiliated colleges embarked on this transformative educational journey to enrich the higher education landscape in Meghalaya,” he said.
He said not a single college sought to postpone the implementation of the academic session that started 45 days ago, signifying the unwavering dedication of these institutions to uplift education and pursue excellence.
The V-C appreciated the college administrations for their proactive efforts in ensuring the smooth execution of the FYUP. He acknowledged the instrumental role played by the principals of these colleges in deciding to adopt the FYUP.
“The tireless commitment of the principals to the advancement of higher education in Meghalaya and their earnest endeavours to safeguard the interests of the student community has not gone unnoticed,” he said.
In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, he announced that detailed evaluation procedures along with the relevant ordinances and regulations governing these procedures, would be communicated to the affiliated colleges soon.
Prof Shukla said this initiative underscored NEHU’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition to the new academic framework and to fostering a nurturing and conducive learning environment for the students.

NEP decision taken in haste, ill-conceived: MCTA to VC

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 28: The Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) remains unmoved and unfazed in its decision to continue the non-cooperation movement against the “hasty” and “ill-conceived” announcement of implementing the NEP 2020.
Virtually turning down an offer from NEHU Vice Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the impasse, the MCTA said they will continue their agitation despite growing sentiments against them and despite attempts to portray them as “villains”.
When contacted, MCTA members refused to make a direct comment on the invitation for talks.
Earlier during the day, MCTA president BH Buam had said during an open press conference that the association remains unmoved in its resolve.
She reiterated that the MCTA is not against NEP 2020. “Rather, the strong opposition is because of the highhandedness and the abuse of power and authority by the Vice Chancellor,” she said.
The MCTA president said that in the last one month the association has observed how the fact of the matter has been represented and misrepresented.
“We are standing firm on our professional ethics. We have a moral standing that we have to deliver as nation builders,” she said.
Stating that the MCTA was there to show their resoluteness and set the narratives right, that is to dispel the fear and apprehension of the parents of the students and the public at large.
Other members of the MCTA threw light on the merits and demerits of implementing the NEP hastily and how ill-prepared the state educational set up is.
Earlier on Sunday, MCTA general secretary Airpeace W Rani had vehemently defended the association for initiating a non-cooperation movement against NEHU ove the NEP issue.
Rani had said that the MCTA is a principled organisation that stands by what it has taken on the issue of the implementation of the NEP in 2023 unless it is satisfied that concrete steps have been taken to address the concerns that it has for the students.
“It is also an association that will not bow down to illegalities and the circumvention of proper procedures. Teachers cannot teach the students to be the light in society when we ourselves succumb to illegitimate pressures and illegalities,” he had added.