SHILLONG: North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Vice Chancellor, Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, reiterated the university’s commitment to implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, while dismissing concerns of it being a “dictatorial decision”.
In a statement made on Monday, the Vice Chancellor said, “While we’re steadfast in our resolve to implement NEP 2020, we’re also committed to addressing any shortcomings during the process in our upcoming Academic Council meeting.”
This response comes in the wake of the Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) demanding the university retract its July 12-notification, which directed all affiliated colleges to adopt the NEP and revert to the previous degree courses. The MCTA claims that it was misleading for the notification to assert the decision to implement the NEP came from the 110th Academic Council.
Contradicting the MCTA’s claims, Prof Shukla pointed to the 104th Academic Council meeting held last year, where the university resolved to implement the NEP 2020. He highlighted that policies adopted by the Academic Council are meant for the betterment of all stakeholders and should be swiftly implemented by the Executive Council.
Further, Prof. Shukla clarified that the university has not yet received any official communication from college principals about challenges in implementing the FYUG (Four Year Undergraduate) programme under NEP 2020. He recalled a meeting held with most of these principals on July 21, where the majority expressed satisfaction with the policy shift.
Addressing concerns about the implementation of a new system, he stated, “We acknowledge that transitioning to a new system will necessitate adjustments. However, should any issue arise from the 110th Academic Council’s decision, we will address it in the subsequent council meeting.”
Prof. Shukla also touched upon the concerns surrounding infrastructure shortages in colleges affiliated with NEHU. “Recognizing these challenges, we’ve structured a curriculum that can be executed from 2023-24 without any additional strain on existing resources,” he assured.
In response to the MCTA’s concerns about additional financial pressures on students, Prof. Shukla countered, stating the claim lacked basis. He asserted that management of colleges isn’t under NEHU’s jurisdiction and that the first year of the NEP 2020 curriculum, which has already been prepared, won’t require additional resources or infrastructure.
The Vice Chancellor urged the MCTA to work collaboratively with the university, highlighting the primary goal is to elevate the educational experience and welfare of students.
