Recruitment of pre-primary teachers put on hold
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 17 2024:
The state government has decided to keep in abeyance the process for recruitment of 1140 pre-primary teachers following recent protests.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the education minister, who announced that a high-level committee of officials will review the entire matter.
A statement issued by the joint director of education (S) informed that the education department had previously issued clarifications on March 24, and June 13, regarding the qualifications required for the proposed engagement of pre-primary teachers.
According to these clarifications, the relaxed qualifications would only apply if the department could not find candidates with a Diploma in Nursery Teacher Education, Pre-School Education, or Early Childhood Education Programme (DEC Ed) of at least two years duration, or a B Ed (Nursery) recognised by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) .
The state, which is under a 90:10 funding arrangement with the government of India, aims to provide employment opportunities to unemployed youth and benefit children aged 3-6 years before they enter Class I .
The education department emphasised that it was not attempting to recruit unqualified teachers, suggesting that the protests might stem from a misunderstanding or deliberate ignorance of the official clarifications.
In response to the protests, which turned violent with vandalisation of department offices at Babupara and Lamphelpat, and the intimidation of officers and staff, the police intervened.
The department had previously condemned the agitators' actions in a press note issued on June 13, citing destruction of public property and disruption of office functions as the reasons for police involvement.
Stating that the government is willing to engage in constructive dialogue along with urging all concerned parties to resolve issues through peaceful and democratic means, the department assured the public its commitment to progress of the state and welfare of its students.