Cong backed think-tank slams UGC's new API criteria

May 30, 2016 22:20

Accusing the HRD ministry of trying to convert universities into departments of government, a Congress backed think-tank has slammed the recent changes made by the University Grants Commission in the academic performance indicators system claiming it will reduce job opportunities and also cut down teacher-student interaction.

The Rajiv Gandhi Study Circle, which has former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot as its chairman found several "faults" in the recently modified criteria of API scores for "In totality, the policies of MHRD are focused to convert universities into departments of government and deny accessibility and equity to masses in Higher education," a statement issued by the Circle said.

It claimed that as per the revised system, teacher-student interaction hours are decreased and more lectures are introduced in the workload of teachers paving the way for killing of innovation and creativity among young minds.

"The increased workload( earlier- 12 Lectures , Now - 18 Lectures plus 6 Tutorials ) is anti-student initiative as their space to interact with teachers is reduced, and at the same time, the opportunity for job is also lost. Thousands of teachers who are teaching as Permanent, Adhoc, temporary, guests will immediately lose job and their livelihood will be taken away," a statement released by the Circle said.

It claimed that the new system aimed to promote state control over knowledge production and dissemination in the name of UGC notified journal or publishers, etc.

The body also found fault with the new provision of student feedback of teachers saying in a multi-layered society, this system will lead to categorisation of teachers and may become a tool to reimpose the hierarchical and

stereotyped notions of society in education.

The body sought "corrective steps" like restoring students' right to have tutorials and any connection with administrative responsibilities must be taken back.

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