Ngandam gives emphasis on reform in education system
ITANAGAR, Nov 23: The two days 24th Annual Conference-cum-National Seminar of North East India Education Society (NEIES) on “Reforming Indian Education System” got underway at Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills on Thursday.
Addressing at the inaugural session, Education Minister, Honchun Ngandam emphasized on the need to refine and reform the education system in the absence of corporal punishment in schools.
He pointed out that the expected learning outcomes from the students are nullified due to No-Detention Policy. However, with changing times, teachers cannot assault students, for which the students neither have fear nor learn, which he feared, could make them wayward.
“Certain measures are needed in order to improve students’ progress, particularly in mathematics and science”, he said.
Highlighting new education initiatives, he said that Arunachal is the first state to introduce Smart Class as pilot project in 730 schools after inking MoU with Educell, for which Chief Minister Pema Khandu has sanctioned Rs 30 crore.
He also suggested North East India Education Society (NEIES) to invite politicians and bureaucrats in such events to make them part of the reform process.
In his presidential address, RGU Vice Chancellor, Professor T Mibang said skill-based education is essential for sustainability and social transformation. He emphasized that curriculum reforms at college level should be disciplined and commitment oriented.
“Though the VCs formulate new policies with two classes of thought – Mahatma Gandhi and Nehruvian philosophy, but India’s present education scenario showcases students’ and teachers’ agitation, youth restlessness,” he said and called for changing the thought process thorough introspection to change the education scenario.
Earlier, Professor E Hangsing, Head, Department of Education, highlighted the role of NEIES in bringing about certain measures for quality in educational field.
Dean cum Organizing Secretary, Professor J Sahoo said that education in the 21st century is a transformational element and is an input for socio-economic growth.
Asserting that the demands of 21st century is to ‘excel’ or ‘exit’, he said that India today has the largest education system and consumer market. He emphasized on the three Es – Expansion, Excellence and Equity in education matching to the Arunachal Government Policy of three Es – Education, Electricity and Employment.
NEIS President, Professor P K Gupta in his key note address said that combination of vocational and conventional education is needed in the present scenario. He reflected on pros and cons of No-Detention Policy and reiterated that standardization in terms of curriculum, examinations and educational structure is needed for better progress in the Indian education system.
Both Honchun and Professor Mibang gave away awards to all the participants of multiple-choice competition, themed “Legal Rights of Women”, conducted recently by the Education Department under the aegis of the National Commission for Women. The seminar is being organized by the Department of Education, Rajiv Gandhi University.
