Academic period likely to be slashed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 26 2020:
The State Level Curriculum and Syllabus Committee held a meeting today and discussed about shortening the academic period for 2020-21 for schools.
The meeting held at the office of Directorate of School Education, Lamphelpat under the aegis of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) was attended by Education Minister Dr Th Radheshyam, Education (S) Commissioner T Ranjit, SCERT Commissioner M Hare Krishna, SCERT Director Dr M Minakumari, Education (S) Director Th Kirankumar and retired IAS officer RK Nimai as presidium members.
Giving the key-note address, Dr M Minakumari pointed out the prolonged closure of educational institutes on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking serious note of loss of many academic days, the committee held a meeting on April 27 .
School education experts and officials of SCERT's DIET Practising Schools modified and shortened the subject courses of classes I to IX for the academic session 2020-21, Dr Minakumari said.
The subject courses were divided into two categories.
The first category includes subjects which should be completed within 90 days/periods while the second one includes courses which should be completed in 60 periods/days.
However, a final decision would be adopted in today's meeting, she said.
The modification was done after taking into account the present classes as well as higher classes and similar topics were amalgamated, Dr Minakumari said.
Speaking at the meeting, Education Minister Dr Th Radheshyam stated that it was important to take an appropriate decision for students at this crucial juncture.
There are many things for students to learn but a considerable number of days have been lost on account of the COVID-19 lockdown.
As such, it is essential for experts to identify topics which must be taught to students during this academic session, Radheshyam said.
He said that even though online or e-learning system has been introduced it would not be able to substitute direct teaching by teachers in classrooms.
He urged the gathering to find out a solution which would best serve the interest of students during this war-like situation.