Dwindling Standard of Education

By: May 20th, 2017 12:28 am

Himachal This Week

newsThe state has witnessed opening of many new government colleges, especially in rural areas, during past four years. As a result, the academic standards have been dwindling due to lack of teachers not only in newly opened institutions but also in established colleges due to shifting of the staff. The department has taken certain initiatives like banning of mobile phones in colleges and to take services of retired teachers to overcome staff shortage but knowledgeable persons feel that these are cosmetic changes. Much needs to be done to strengthen the academic standards by establishing centres of excellence in these institutions, they add.

Ban on Mobiles in Colleges

Himachal has banned the public use of mobile phones in government degree colleges. As a result, teachers can use cell phones in staff room and students at a specially designated place on the college premises. Not only this, social networking sites would also be blocked on the college campuses that have been linked with Wifi facility even as the administration will establish special zones for use of mobile phones by students.

Principal Secretary, Education RD Dhiman directed college principals to strictly implement the new guidelines during a seminar held on ‘Challenges before the higher education’ in Shimla. Strict actions would be taken against students and teachers using mobile phones in classrooms and at public places on the campus. It was pointed out that Wifi facility was also being misused in many of the colleges and discussion would be held with service providers of these to block social networking sites. As students remain busy on their mobiles, the step is aimed at improving academic environment in colleges. And also that they would access internet for studies rather than remaining busy on social networking sites.

* Teachers to use mobiles only in staff-rooms

* Students to use mobiles only in special zone

* Social media sites will be blocked after discussion with the service providers.

To Appoint Retired Teachers

The government has also decided to take the services of retired teachers so that teaching is not affected due to vacant posts. The matter was raised by many principals during the seminar. Services of retired teachers will be taken against vacant posts and a notification be issued soon. Vacant posts not only hamper teaching but also exam and evaluation and examinations.

From Editor-in-Chief’s Desk

Some of the challenges were understood and there was a debate on higher education scenario  but there was no effort to identify the root cause behind declining standards. We should come out of the swirl of where the higher education is going and where it should go. Till then only its quantitative face will be visible. How would every educational institute establish its relevance amidst a record number of colleges in Himachal?  The use of cell phones was restricted to instill discipline in a meeting of principals. The places were decided on the college campus for the use of mobile phone. When would we understand the need to analyse the quality of education? Neither the college campus nor the curriculum is basis for merits and demerits in educational system but the ground for preparing students is yet to be decided. Shimla University had prepared a vision document but it was mired into politicking. Every class room will merely become a building if colleges don’t prove their excellence in improving potential of students. Excessive use of cell phone indicates that either students’ are passing time or educational importance has gone down. Disintegrating system can be seen in mobile era if academic environment, commitment in curriculum, quality in education and role models among teachers are lacking. Present educational system is not able to face challenges of the present era even as the number of colleges has doubled thus pushing study and teaching to the backstage. Most of the colleges have been opened in rural areas but these were not developed according to their potential and importance. For example, a state level institute could have been established while underlining the importance of Nagrota Suriyan College. It can also be developed as sports complex keeping in view the possibilities of water sports in the area. Every college  is imparting similar education whereas some of them could be developed as centres of excellence. Students will not benefit if some of the colleges are not developed for science, arts, commerce, economics, sports and defence studies. Nearly one dozen established colleges in Himachal have also suffered due to the newly opened colleges. Education Department has taken a good initiative to avail the services of retired teachers but it should also be ensured to maintain the faculty of top ranking colleges. Students should be motivated to participate in summer camps for encouraging them towards sports and cultural activities. It will develop their overall personality to face challenges in the life.

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