Northeast Desk, 23rd March: The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has brought attention to purported irregularities during the tenure of Manipur’s Education Minister, Th. Basantakumar. The organization expressed alarm over the appointment of faculty members lacking essential qualifications at DM College of Teacher Education.
During a press conference held at Kwakeithel, DESAM President Mayengbam Somorjit Meitei underscored the issue, particularly focusing on the appointment of four Assistant Professors at DM College of Teacher Education. The organization highlighted the concern that one of these appointees lacks mandatory qualifications in B.Ed or M.Ed, contravening the standards set by the National Council of Teachers Education (NCTE).
DESAM raised pointed questions regarding the government’s inaction in addressing these alleged irregularities, questioning the Chief Minister’s silence on the matter. Additionally, they challenged the Education Minister and Education Commissioner to justify such appointments.
Drawing attention to NCTE regulations, DESAM emphasized that institutions under its purview are strictly prohibited from appointing contract, part-time, or guest faculty members as full-time faculty. Citing Section 5.1 of Appendix 4 of the NCTE 2014 regulations, DESAM reiterated the requirement for full-time faculty appointments.
In further support of their argument, DESAM referenced the NCTE’s decisive action in 2020, wherein the recognition of DM College of Teacher Education (DMCTE) and Hindi Teachers’ Training College (HTTC) was revoked due to the employment of contractual faculties. This underscores the gravity of the situation and underscores the urgency for corrective action.
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