Imphal, June 25: The Manipur State Higher Education Commission which was constituted to study the state of higher education in the State and make necessary recommendations has submitted its suggestions to the State Government for due considerations.

Among the important points recommended by the Commission are the amalgamation of colleges or higher secondary schools, to replace the existing education system with job oriented courses and to make the retirement age of college teachers at par with university teachers.

The seven member Commission headed by noted educationist Dr KS Sudhara Rao has already submitted its suggestions to the State Government and the same has been tabled and discussed by the Cabinet, said an official source.

Though the recommendations have already been discussed by the Cabinet, a definite decision is yet to be taken, said the source.

In no uncertain terms, the Commission suggested that the retirement age of college teachers should be fixed at 60 years to bring them at par with university teachers, said the source.

The Commission also recommended that steps should be taken up to directly recruit college Principals.

The source further said that the Commission had also strongly stated the case for setting up an Autonomous Body consisting of representatives from MU, Directorate of Higher Education and experts.

This body should assess all the colleges and Government assistance should be linked to the performance of the institutions concerned, said the Commission.

The recommendations also said that there should be no Government takes over of Private/Aided Colleges in general.

If necessary, the take over should be done only after minute examination of the case.

To encourage excellence, the Commission also suggested that autonomous status may be granted to colleges with proven track record, said the source adding that an Expert Committee may be set up to examine the feasibility of a separate cadre of teachers who opt for services in the hill colleges.

To fill the huge vacancy and in view of the direct ban on fresh recruitment, the Commission suggested that guest lecturers may be engaged to over come the shortcomings.

Significantly, the Commission also suggested inclusion of provisions in the Manipur University Act, its statutes and ordinances to replace elections to various university bodies by nomination based on rotation, to nominate student representatives to university bodies on merit/excellence.

The source further disclosed that the Commission also recommended at least 180 working days to make up an academic session.

On the contentious issue of part time lecturers, the Commission said that part timers who are qualified according to UGC norms should be considered for appointment as lecturers on regular basis or as guest lecturers.

Comment