The repeated incidents of students getting harassed by teachers and even taking recourse to extreme steps like self-immolation in institutions have come as a blatant surprise to me. I have been a student myself from about 1966 to about 1983, covering my Lower Primary level up to the University Level of education, during which I do not remember ever coming across such incidents. At the Primary Level, our teachers were sincere and highly respected by the students. Even during vacations, they asked us to come for special classes so that we could have preparation to appear at scholarship examinations. We were in awe of them, and there was discipline in the school. The situation in the High School was more or less the same. Though there was no call for extra classes during vacations and on holidays, teachers were very sincere and taught to the best of their abilities. When we entered college, the scenario did not change much. Teachers were very loving, sincere, and hardworking. They did ask us to come for extra classes before the examination so as to complete the courses of studies. Then finally at the Post Graduate level also, our studies were smooth despite the observation that since the number of students comes down having been restricted to different and separate departments, teachers get the chance of knowing students closely, and this often leads to favouritism. But except for the observation, I have never had any practical experience in this regard. Now the question arises: what has led to a boom in the occurrence of such unfortunate and undesirable incidents in educational institutions? Before analysing the same, let us have a look at the education scenario of today.
- Rise in population – Population is increasing all over the world, with the figure touching 8 billion by the year 2022. The population of India has also risen high, with the figure touching 1 and a 1/2 billion approximately as at present. Population explosion will definitely have its impact on the education scenario.
- Rise in number of students – Population in India has increased considerably since the time of independence, which has led to a rise in the number of students, particularly at the level of higher education.
- Rise in educational institutions – Rise in population and number of students has also led to a rise in the number of educational institutions both in the government and private sector. Infrastructural development and thrust on quality education have marked the education scenario in the wake of rapid population growth.
- Craze for technical education – Twenty-five to thirty years ago, the craze for technical education was not as high as it is today. Students were happy continuing general education and then appearing at competitive examinations. But in the present scenario, students prefer technical education to general education to avoid the risk of unemployment. Consequently, technical institutions have come up in large numbers in recent times both in the government and private sector.
- Unemployment problem – Rise in population and consequent rise in number of competitors have led to the problem of unemployment. This has created a sense of uncertainty in the minds of students, who are forced to plan their careers judiciously.
- Rise in coaching institutions – Twenty-five to thirty years ago, coaching institutions were very limited and confined to bigger cities. Initially, coaching was given mainly for competitive examinations like administrative service and banking jobs. But today, it has spread to the smaller towns and cities, covering even the day-to-day courses of studies.
- Rise in career consciousness – The students of today have become very much career-conscious, and naturally so because of the uncertainty in competition and the job market. From an early time, they are starting their career plans so that they will not have to suffer in future.
The above-mentioned reasons have led to the present education scenario, thereby leading to such incidents of harassment and violence like self-immolation. Now let us try to seek the reasons as to how the problem could be mitigated.
- Teaching a noble profession – Teaching is very much a noble profession, and teachers very well understand it. It is said that a teacher is born, not made. Even if somebody has entered the profession by chance, he should stick to its principle. He should treat all students equally without favouritism.
- Attitude of teachers towards students – The attitude of teachers towards students should be caring and loving. The students should also have respect for their teachers. We have been fortunate enough to be in the midst of the best of teachers at every stage of education.
- Neutral and impartial valuation – Valuation at the time of examination should be neutral and impartial. A student should get what he deserves. This will encourage students to do honest and hard work instead of running after teachers for mercy.
- Familiarity of teachers with students – It is normally seen that at the Graduate and Post-Graduate level, since the number of students is restricted due to specialization, teachers are familiar even with the handwriting of students, which may lead to favouritism at the time of valuation.
- Valuation by outsiders – Any type of marking or valuation should never be left in the hands of the teachers of the home department. Outsiders should be invited for valuation. It is also better to send the examination papers outside in such a confidential manner that, what to speak of students, even the teachers are not aware of it.
- Use of CCTV camera in departments – Since cases of harassment and violence are on the increase and certain teachers are creating the problem, use of CCTV camera may be helpful in creating a sense of awe in the minds of teachers and students resorting to unfair means.
- Fair means by students – Students should be career-oriented, sincere and hard-working, which will pay them rich dividends. Unfair means may fetch them higher marks, which is never a yardstick for their success. Neither does it measure their educational status.
- Reforms in system and Education Policy – We cannot sit complacent when such incidents are taking place at regular intervals. There should be reforms in the system and Education Policy so as to check it. Now that such incidents have come to the fore, special committees may be formed to look into the matter and suggest reforms where necessary.
- Stricter supervision by authority – Leaving everything to the department often creates the problem. The college or university authority should exercise stricter control and supervision over the individual departments.
- Proper guidelines by administration and Government – Not only the college or university authority, but also educational administration, district administration and government should issue proper guidelines from time to time and have an eye on the educational institutions and universities.
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping man’s life. It is said that without education, man is as good as a beast. It builds up the future citizens of the country. It is really sad and unfortunate that such incidents are taking place in a sacred and pious sector like education. Both teachers and students in their joint efforts can only solve the problem. The teachers should maintain the requisite distance from the students without playing favourites with them. The students also should put in hard work without expecting anything from their teachers through unfair means. Punishment should be stricter for such crimes in educational institutions. Teachers, students, guardians, college authority, administration and government should all make an attempt at creating a congenial atmosphere for education in the country.
(The views expressed are the writer’s own)
Mr. Prafulla Kumar Majhi,
Retired Asst. Director, A. I. R, is an eminent Scholar and freelance writer in English & Odia. His areas of interests are sociocultural, economic, literary, historical and analytical studies and writings.
Email: airprafulla61@gmail.com
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