SHILLONG: After months of deadlock, the impasse surrounding the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state has come to an end.
An emergency meeting of the Academic Council (AC) at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Thursday, resolved to implement NEP 2020 for its undergraduate courses beginning with the 2023-2024 academic session.
The decision has been met with mixed emotions, with NEHU Vice Chancellor, Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla expressing disappointment, while members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising NEHUTA and NEHUNSA, welcomed the AC’s decision to approve NEP’s implementation after the fact.
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JAC Chairman, Prof Lakhon Kma, emphasized the victory for those who opposed the initial decision to implement NEP without AC approval. He argued that the Vice Chancellor’s decision in July was illegitimate, as the AC holds the supreme authority in making decisions on university policy matters.
“For three long months, we grappled with an issue that could have been addressed in mere minutes, had it not been for the VC’s unwavering stance. Thankfully, clarity has emerged, especially given the significant pressures on the VC from various authorities, including direct communications from the President of India and the Governor, urging adherence to proper protocol,” he told the press.
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One significant factor in the resolution is the extension of the first semester students’ session, as question papers aligned with the NEP syllabus are yet to be prepared.
However, six representatives from affiliated colleges were notably absent from the AC meeting, as their terms had concluded in August. Therefore, the university will be required to conduct elections to appoint new representatives from the affiliated colleges.
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Regarding the extension of the first semester students’ session, Prof Kma acknowledged that the delay is a consequence of the transition and affirmed that it is in the students’ and colleges’ best interests.
The Meghalaya Tribal Teachers’ Association, NEHU (MeTTA-NEHU), also extended its full support to JAC-NEHU to safeguard local interests and prevent further misuse of power by the VC. MeTTA-NEHU is seeking clarifications on teacher selections and appointments for different positions at the university.
