Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30:
A delegation of private college principals called on the Governor Dr SS Sidhu on may 23 to highlight infrastructural deficiencies hampering progress of private institutes of higher learning as well as proposing financial assistance from available sources.
During the nearly 15 minutes interaction, the principals emphasised on extension of State Government patronage (grants) to private colleges of the State in order to facilitate similar gesture (provision) from the UGC, said a release issued by Principals' Association of Manipur (PAM) today.
Besides briefing the Governor on the Sudharao Committee report pertaining to improvement of higher education in the State, the delegation also prevailed upon Dr Sidhu to pave the way for lumpsum grants to the private institutions (colleges), it said.
Acknowledging contribution of private college and work culture of teachers in such institutions, the Governor assured to discuss all relevant issues towards improving private colleges with the Chief Minister, PAM mentioned while adding that subsequent attempts to meet the CM could not yield positive results till date.
The PAM also organised a workshop of 'problem and Prospects of Private College' at DM College of Teacher Education on March 5 where among others resolution to propose grant from State Government was adopted.
In consonance with the workshop resolution a Government representative assured to place the matter at the floor of the State assembly which, however, did not materialise resulting in the delegation to highlight issues confronting private colleges and its faculty members before the Governor, added the Association.
Referring to students from private colleges wresting top positions in examinations, PAM said such performance cannot be possible without the teachers' dedication and contribution which sadly remains to be reciprocated in a befitting manner financially as monthly pays of private college teachers are limited to between Rs 1000-1500.Taking such anomaly into consideration the State Government need to chalk out/float a policy under which efforts of such teachers are complemented to a certain extent, if not at par with Government college teachers, PAM expressed.