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‘Education malls’
In the editorial “Faculty crunch”
(October 25), the remark that “the idea of academic pursuit has lost its sheen” reminds me of Dr S Radhakrishnan’s words: “If there is today a fall in our intellectual standards, if we are generally unable to compete with the best minds of the world, it is because of the lack of inward discipline.” The value of a PhD degree has been reduced to a shop where you pay money and get the degree. Why does the UGC allow private universities and institutions that award PhD degrees on payment? These institutions are ‘education malls’ where degrees are sold by incompetent faculty to incompetent students. In my view, the guide should be decided by the UGC on the basis of the teacher’s scholarship. And the thesis should be submitted to the UGC for evaluation without the name of the institution or university. Dr ANIL KAKRA, Kurukshetra
Talent crunch
The editorial “Faculty crunch” (October 25) rightly says that “academics no more attract talent”, even though the salaries are comparable with the best in the employment market. In fact, the revised salaries have created a large number of problems for aspiring candidates since most of the higher education institutes now prefer ad hoc lecturers who are available at less than half the salary, thereby discouraging talented teachers. Many institutes are not satisfying the norms of ratio of permanent and ad hoc staff as laid by the UGC. While a large number of new courses are being introduced in colleges, there is not equal stress on the faculty. To attract quality teachers, we must provide job security. Neelam, Chandigarh
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Overhaul UGC Apropos the editorial “Faculty crunch” (October 25), the situation warrants immediate and revolutionary reforms. A complete overhaul of the University Grants Commission is also warranted as it has been virtually reduced to a fund-disbursing agency. Secondly, the fact that profession of teaching or research does not attract talent ought to be a serious concern for the policy makers. Steps should be taken to make the profession lucrative and attractive so that scholars join this profession not by chance but by choice. Lastly, possibilities should be explored to train teachers for specialised universities in the subjects of veterinary science, defence, law, sports and information technology. Dr VK Anand, Patiala No more noble In the good old days, teaching was considered a noble profession and people with inclination, culture, commitment and dedication used to join the profession and got respect from society as nation builders. But now because of directionless, ineffective and rudderless policies of successive governments, education institutions, both public and private, are losing quality teachers. This is adversely affecting the academic environment of almost all institutions. Moreover, increasing commercialisation under the dangerous influence of globalisation, increasing profits and market forces is leading to deglamourisation of the teaching profession. A complete overhaul of the system, global vision and local actions are required to stem the rot. Dr Vitull K. Gupta, Bathinda Learning science It is no doubt that India has made remarkable progress in science, but, unfortunately, it has not been able to create a proper environment for science learning. There is need of highly qualified faculty in colleges. The prime cause is the wrong choice of science administrators leading research centres and vice-chancellors of universities. The recruitment should be based on the capability, talent and achievement of an individual. ANDEDEAN ANAND, Chambaghat Value of research The news report “PGI celebrates research day” (Chandigarh Tribune, October 26) sheds light on the importance of research and accountability in institutions where research is an integral part. It should send positive signals regarding various health problems. The problems can be tackled by encouraging research and inculcating a healthy attitude among researchers and guides. Research is a very painstaking job and research scholars need to be supported, nurtured tenderly and dexterously and with focus on the relevance of their activity and its meaning for ameliorating the specific conditions. Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala Higher education Apropos editorial "Private players or public", the mushrooming of private colleges and universities has shown growth of corruption in the academic field. Such institutions are not able to pay even reasonable salaries to their teachers. There only aim is to have financial profits. There is no system of innovation and research which should b primary aim of an academic institutions. Unless periodic inspections of these institutions are done, as the NACC team does in case of state universities and colleges, there cannot be improvement. Consequently the academic standards fall and students suffer as they are not able to get proper training and education. These are simply teaching shops run by vendors. It is better to close them if they lack academic excellence. Prof Krishan Malhotra, via email Quality education Quality has to be the driving force for higher education. The decision-making should not rest with only the politicians whose myopic vision does not see beyond the next elections. The planning of educational programmes and their implementation should be done by eminent educationists. Secondly, there should be no room for profit motive in the sector. It is essentially an altruistic and philanthropic mission and should remain so. Thirdly, the government cannot run away from the responsibility of providing aid to charitable educational institutions. If education and health are not to be on the priority of the governments, what should be the priority? Is it to run fashion parades, film shows, kabaddi matches and musical extravaganzas? Fourthly, there should be a strict vigil on the collection of funds and fees by the education institutions and how they are utilised. Dr Dinesh and Aujasvi Sharma, Pathankot
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