DESAM stresses training of pre-primary teachers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 14 2024:
Highlighting the necessity of establishing pre-primary teacher training institutions recognised by National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in the state, the Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has drawn attention towards the possible scenario in Manipur post-2030, when local teachers may be replaced by outsiders.
In a statement, DESAM president Mayengbam Somorjit Meitei said that under the Right to Education Act, 2009, it has been clearly mentioned that students from 6 to 14 years of age are to receive education from trained teachers.
Accordingly in Manipur too, a number of teachers were trained in IGNOU and NIOS.
Referring to the National Education Policy 2020 that pre-primary education (Foundational Stage) is of significant importance, DESAM pointed out that the NEP explicitly states that recruiting and training pre-primary teachers must adhere strictly to the norms and guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
According to the NCTE (Determination of Minimum Qualification for persons to be recruited as Education Teachers and Physical Education Teachers in Pre-Primary, Upper Primary, Secondary, Senior Secondary or Intermediate schools or college) Regulation 2014, no teachers without First Schedule Level 1 and Level 2 trainings would be illegible to teach students and hence shall not be recruited, the release added.
DESAM has been consistently urging the relevant authorities to establish the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) in Manipur, even during the draft stage of the NEP-2020.However, despite the appeals, the education minister, the commissioner, and the director paid no heed.
Additionally, while the authorities were knowledgeable about sending proposals for recruiting pre-primary teachers under the Project Approval Board (PAB), it raises questions as to why proposals were not submitted for establishing institutions to conduct teacher training in accordance with the norms outlined in the NEP-2020, the release said.
DESAM also accused the education department of undermining steps to train pre-primary teachers who were approved for recruitment in 2023.The recruitment process seems to prioritise saving funds over developing the state's education system.
This issue should be discussed in the cabinet meeting by the state government.
Clarifying that its advocacy for recruiting competent teachers is solely motivated by genuine concern for the state's welfare, without any personal interest in the recruitment process, DESAM said that the government should prioritise actions beneficial to the entire state and its populace.
The release maintained that arresting students will not serve any purpose and no solution will be brought about.
DESAM will never compromise even if hundreds of its volunteers are arrested and imprisoned.
It would be a blunder if the state government perceives that arresting students will bring solution to issues, it said.