Shillong, July 31: With the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) asking colleges in Meghalaya to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the upcoming academic session, colleges in Shillong are gearing up for the transformation. However, while some well-known institutions are ready to embrace the change, others are expressing concerns about their preparedness due to the lack of resources.

Hub News interacted with Principals of various colleges in and around Shillong to know of their preparedness and challenges to implement the NEP 2020.

Dr. Evakorlang Kharkongor, Principal of Shillong College, said her college is ready to implement the NEP and the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP). Having formed a task force since 2021, the college is fully geared up for the transition. Addressing the issue of awareness, she asserted that the college has taken proactive steps to ensure faculty members and students are well-informed about the changes. Dr. Kharkongor emphasized the advantage of FYUP, giving students the flexibility to receive certificates, diplomas, and degrees at various stages, according to their preferences. Despite acknowledging the challenges that may arise, she stressed that they are prepared to face them head-on.

She further hoped that the disagreements between the university and Meghalaya College teachers’ Association (MCTA) is resolved soon so that all can be on the same boat for the betterment of the students.

Br. Albert Dkhar, Principal of St Anthony’s College, Shillong, expressed a cautious approach to the NEP implementation. With the new academic session commencing from August 8, the college awaits direction from the government and North Eastern Hill University (NEHU). Financial concerns loom large, as the college will need to employ new staff and provide training for teachers to expertly handle certain subjects.

Br. Dkhar infomed that he had participated in several meetings with the university to structure the syllabus, but there was no decision taken on implementation of NEP 2020 so soon.

Meanwhile, Bormanik College in Nongkseh, Upper Shillong, faces unique challenges as a lesser-known institution on the outskirts of the city. Despite the steep challenge, Principal D. Rumnong expressed the college’s readiness to face the hurdles associated with NEP 2020. She expressed that the syllabus is implementable but the college is seeking more time from NEHU to fully adapt to the new policy. Financial constraints are a significant obstacle, as the college requires additional manpower to smoothly execute the changes. However, Principal Rumnong emphasized that NEP 2020 offers advantages, particularly in curbing the dropout crisis. By providing certificates at various stages, the policy encourages students to remain in education and progress at their own pace.

The implementation of NEP 2020 is not only a crucial step towards educational reform but also a complex process that requires adequate resources, infrastructure, and manpower. While well-known colleges like Shillong College have taken proactive measures to embrace the new policy, smaller institutions like Bormanik College face an uphill battle due to their limited capacities. As North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) prepares to initiate NEP 2020 from August 2023, many colleges in Meghalaya are urging for additional financial support from the government to ensure a smooth and successful transition for the betterment of students’ education in the region.

Recently, Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma had informed that 33 colleges in Meghalaya had expressed their inability to implement the NEP 2020 from the upcoming session.

As for MCTA, it has asked its members to boycott all classes for 1st semester from August 1 and also called for non-cooperation movement against NEHU because they alleged that the decision to implement the NEP 2020 from August this year was taken unilaterally without the consent of the colleges and teachers.

Also read: Major crisis averted in Khanduli village ahead of Assam – Meghalaya CMs visit

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