DESAM urges

IMPHAL, Jun 10 : The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has yet again urged the State Government and Manipur University to bring a solution to issues regarding teacher education in the State.
The DESAM in a press release said that reforms in teacher education is indispensable and lauded the Government's decision to introduce 'Integrated Teacher Education Programme' (ITEP).
However the existing teacher education system is pathetic and needs attention from all concerned, it said.
Concerned over the poor condition, the student body approached the State Government and the affiliating body-Manipur University on multiple occasions but the authorities concerned have failed to pay heed and bring any solution, it said.
While iterating its call for the last time to work out a solution for a better and engaging teacher education system in the State, DESAM demanded a Common Entrance Test (CET) to induct eligible candidates with 'teaching aptitude and attitude' to institutions providing Teacher Education.
Standard online CET is advisable in view of pandemic, it said while highlighting that provision for CET is clearly mentioned in NCTE-2014's gazette notification.
Adhoc approaches for inducting candidates in 'Teacher Education' institutes should be stopped at the earliest and due emphasis should be given on this sector since teacher education is a professional course, it added.
DESAM also called for an academic audit and vigilance in institutions providing teacher education across the State.
A detailed report of the Principals, heads, faculties, their eligibility, adequacy of staff in running an institution should be made public, it said.
The State Government should also institute a committee to inspect whether faculties and staff of DMCTE, HTTC and SCERT (DIET) are being fairly employed and conduct spot verification whether private institutions are adhering to NCTE norms and make it to the public domain, the student body demanded. The student body also urged the State Government to issue an order to immediately suspend the anomalous online admission process being underway until standard rules and regulations for admission to the institutes are framed.
The Government should also ensure the institutions offer slots for teachers of optional scripts and languages including Meetei Mayek, it said.
DESAM also went on to appeal the Department of Teachers Education of Manipur University, SCERT (DIET), DMCTE, HTTC and other institutions under the State Government to strictly adhere to norms as prescribed by NCTE so that private institutes follow suit and help usher in a better change in the teacher education system in the State.