Panchkula (Haryana): The Union HRD Ministry
is "disappointed" with institutes across the country providing
training to teachers and is considering a re-look at these
institutions.
"I am disappointed with the institutes providing training
to teachers...we need to have a re-look at them," HRD Minister
Kapil Sibal told reporters here today after having discussions
with parents, students, teachers, academicians and CBSE
stakeholders on examination reforms.
Stressing on improving education system and reducing
margin of error, he said there is a strong need to have
quality teachers for the empowerment of children.
"All teachers will have to obtain required qualifications
as per National Curriculum Framework within the next five
years or else will have to do away with their profession," the
Minister said sending a strong signal to the teaching
community.
Besides, schools in the country need to have the
infrastructure to meet the benchmark set up by the ministry,
he said.
"It is for the different state governments to identify
teachers lacking in required qualifications and schools
without basic infrastructure," he said adding that the Centre
will act strongly on the issue of qualification of teachers
and infrastructure.
On the issue of reforms initiated by him, Sibal said
"people are always sceptical of any new plan or scheme and
change can be brought after dialogue".
"People are with the government on examination reforms,"
he said adding that the objective of the government was to
produce responsible citizens in the country.
"Education is not merely obtaining marks but a concept
which prepares for life. It involves social skills to deal
with the civil society," he said.
He stressed on preparing children for tomorrow and said
they need to be provided choices.
"Yes everybody wants change in examination system...the
Centre will talk strongly to education boards of states on
bringing reforms in examination system," he said.
Stressing on quality education, he said there was
enormous talent in the country.
On the issue of screening for admissions in schools, he
said "the screening process should not be exclusive but it
should be inclusive."
Sibal said the Centre was "happy" to make the Panjab
University at Chandigarh a Central university. He, however,
said it has to be decided by Punjab Chief Minister.
He also said the government was looking at Public Private
Partnership (PPP) in schools and is committed to providing
facilities to differently-abled children, adding there was no
question of discrimination in education system in rural and
urban areas.
Bureau Report
