Imphal, October 06: Denouncing deletion of vocational courses from class XI & XII syllabus of educational institutions, vocational education course instructors today burnt effigy of SCERT Director Y Devala at the DMC campus office of the Directorate.

The instructors also raised slogans demanding resignation of the Director and revival of the courses.

According to some of the agitators scrapping of vocational courses not only hampers prospect of students interested in pursuing courses that could widen their self-employment avenues but also tantamount to undermining the teacher community.

It is pertinent to mention that the instructors demanding re-opening of vocational courses had locked and sealed the directorate office on October 3.Meanwhile, a press statement issued by Vocational Education Employees� Assn alleged involvement of the SCERT Director in-charge in financial matter and unprofessional management resulting in only six institutes offering vocational education courses against the Central Govt prescription along with fund allocation to establish 25 study centres.

It is unfortunate for students interested in pursuing vocational studies that the current Director in-charge neither have the expertise to ensure smooth functioning job-oriented course nor is willing to implement Central Govt projects, the Association release alleged.

However, the State Govt has refuted the charges levelled against the Director of SCERT.

In a statement issued to the press today, Joint Secretary of the Department, M Luikham said that the Govt has not taken any decision to restore VE in 11 institutions and the question of the Director acting contrary to the instructions of the Education Minister is baseless.

Giving details, the statement clarified that the vocationalisation of education is a Central Sponsored Scheme which involves sharing the cost of the scheme between the Centre and the State.

Sometimes it could be 100 percent funded by the Centre, at other times it could be 50:50 and at times it could 75 pc by the Centre and 25 pc by the State.

The Centre has not released any Central Assistance for Vocationalisation of Education for the last three years, it added.

In view of the financial constraint faced by the State, it was decided to discontinue the programme from 2005-06, added the Joint Secretary.

However keeping in mind the interest of the students and as well as to ensure that some of the staff of the VE programme retain their jobs, the State Govt pursued the mater with the Union HRD Ministry, to sponsor the programme.

Following an assurance from the HRD that it would sponsor a restructured programme, the Committee of Officers and experts with the approval of the Education Minister recommended the continuance of the programme in six institutions.

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