Manipur minister inaugurates two-day panel discussion

Our Correspondent

Imphal, July 9 (EMN): Manipur Education Minister Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam inaugurated a two-day panel discussion on “Emerging Disciplines and Their Prospects and Challenges in Manipur” in Imphal on Thursday.

The programme was sponsored by the State Project Directorate of Rashtriya Uchchtar Shiksha Abhiyan, Manipur.

Speaking at the function, Dr. Radheshyam said, “We must ensure that the subjects and disciplines provided in the colleges and Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) syllabus are upgraded with the changing times.”

The effectiveness of subjects or courses offered need to be analysed in the context of the market demand and their purpose in the development of the society.

Before introducing a new discipline or subject, one must keep in mind the interest of the students and future of the society, he said, adding that employability is only one of the aspects of education. He expressed hope that the aim of the panel discussion will help in addressing the key issues to improve the quality of higher education.

Acknowledging the shortage of teachers in the state, Dr. Radheshyam stated that unlike other departments, appointing a teacher is not a casual task.

He said after a series of meetings with the officials concerned of the department of Higher and Technical Education, a plan to conduct a survey and audit for the various subjects and disciplines, students-teachers’ ratio and other related infrastructural features of the HEIs was suggested.

In his speech, Commissioner of Higher and Technical Education M Harekrishna said that there is a need to discuss the necessary steps being taken up in the higher education sector of the state.

The global scientific and technological advancement have questioned and challenged every existing facet related to education, he said. Director of Higher Education department Khumanthem Diana Devi and other college officials and retired academicians were also present during the inaugural function. The discussion will provide an opportunity of sharing experience and expertise between different stakeholders for mutual benefits, integrating inputs on teaching learning processes for developing the state and nation as a whole, the organisers felt.