College teachers asked to be more communicative with students

West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee Monday called upon college teachers to be more communicative with the students to understand their issues and not just take classes and leave for home.

The minister's comment came in the backdrop of agitation by students in several colleges of the city in the past few days after they were not allowed to appear for the first semester examination of the Calcutta University due to shortage of attendance.

"Instead of merely entering the institute and leaving for the day, you (teachers) must lisen to their (students) problems.... "I am also asking the students to have faith and trust in the university," Chatterjee told reporters.

Stating that the issue of students' agitation over attendance in colleges was being blown out of proportion, he said it was reported in only seven or eight colleges.

The students were to sit for first semester examination of the Calcutta University but only those with a minimum of 60 per cent attendance were allowed.

Chatterjee unveiled the model test paper for Madhyamik (Class 10 Board examination) students published by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education.

He alleged that a section of publishers bringing out model Madhyamik answer papers are claiming in their advertisements that they have the seal of approval of the Board.

"This is not fair. It will mislead the people. Such ads should not take the name of any state agency," he said.