The new academic session of higher education beginning from July 1 in Madhya Pradesh will be observed as ‘Quality Year’. Beside imparting quality education during the period, better environment and facilities will be provided in colleges and universities apart from giving special attention to redressal of teachers’ difficulties.
The Higher Education Minister Shri Laxmikant Sharma has written a letter to all the college principals and professors in this regard.Shri Sharma has said in his letter that today Madhya Pradesh is fast progressing in education, especially higher education. The attention of entire country is focused on Madhya Pradesh in this sector and new higher education institutions are coming up here. In view of the State Government’s intention and need of the hour, the State Government has focused special attention on the quality of higher education. It is in this context that it has been decided to observe the new academic session as ‘Quality Year.’
The Higher Education Minister said that the teachers play the most important role in the construction of nation and a progressive society. Those nations never make progress where teachers become indifferent to their responsibility of nation building. This is why a teacher is regarded above all in Indian culture. The teachers who discharge their responsibilities with dedication automatically start commanding respect of students.
Shri Sharma said that Madhya Pradesh is the first state in the country, which has given UGC pay scale to professors. Constant efforts are also being undertaken to remove the difficulties faced by professors. The government is also initiating steps for their promotions and service-related issues. During the ‘Quality Year’, special attention will be given to removing shortage of teachers, redressal of promotion cases and provision of better amenities and arrangements on the premises of colleges. Attention will also focused on ensuring that during the year that entire academic time is utilised for educational activities alone and teachers remain present. He said that guest faculties’ contribution has been important in the spread of higher education in Madhya Pradesh. The government is also trying to remove their difficulties.
Shri Sharma said that the process of surprise inspections has been introduced with a view to ensuring quality education and a better environment in colleges and universities. Disciplinary action has also been taken against some principals and professors on being found guilty of indifference and lack in quality education. There will be no hesitation in taking disciplinary action in cases of indifference, irregularities and lack of quality. No pressure will be tolerated in this connection. Besides, the teachers imparting quality education will be encouraged and honoured.
Shri Sharma has told the professors in his letter that they are highly educated, experienced and talented. He has hoped that they will understand the government’s intention and sentiments expressed in his letter in the right perspective and context and will spare no effort to ensure quality of education and Madhya Pradesh will emerge as the hub of quality education.
Shri Sharma has said that he himself will undertake inspections of colleges. Senior officers will also do this. It should be ensured that any unpleasant situation does not arise due to absence of teachers and lack of quality in education during the inspection. Teachers can meet him or write letters about qualitative improvement or innovations in education. The suggestions will be given due attention.