Cong backed think-tank slams UGC's new API criteria

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Accusing the HRD ministry of trying to convert universities into departments of Government, a Congress backed think-tank has slammed the recent changes made by the UGC in the API system claiming it will reduce job opportunities and also cut down teacher-student interaction.
The Rajiv Gandhi Study Circle, which has former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot as its chairman found several "faults" in the recently modified criteria of Assessment Performance Indicators (API) scores for
"In totality, the policies of MHRD are focused to convert universities into departments of Government and deny accessibility and equity to masses in Higher education," a statement issued by the Circle said.

It claimed that as per the revised system, teacher- student interaction hours are decreased and more lectures are introduced in the workload of teachers paving the way for killing of innovation and creativity among young minds.
"The increased workload( earlier- 12 Lectures , Now - 18 Lectures plus 6 Tutorials ) is anti-student initiative as their space to interact with teachers is reduced, and at the same time, the opportunity for job is also lost. Thousands of teachers who are teaching as Permanent, Adhoc, temporary, guests will immediately lose job and their livelihood will be taken away," a statement released by the Circle said.

It claimed that the new system aimed to promote state control over knowledge production and dissemination in the name of UGC notified journal or publishers, etc.

The body also found fault with the new provision of student feedback of teachers saying in a multi-layered society, this system will lead to categorisation of teachers and may become a tool to reimpose the hierarchical and stereotyped notions of society in education.
The body sought "corrective steps" like restoring students' right to have tutorials and any connection with administrative responsibilities must be taken back.
"The workload of teachers should be restored. All attempts to increase workload of teachers should be taken back as it leads to bureaucratisation of education. The jobs of adhoc teachers/temporary/ guests teachers should be protected and immediate permanent appointment must be started as per due process," the statement said.

It also added that the feedback system must be withdrawn without delay.
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The statement by the Rajiv Gandhi study circle also said that the "autonomy of universities across the country is under severe attack in recent times" and alleged that HRD policies aim to promote market oriented private education "so that education remains out of reach to common men."
Infact, the introduction of Choice Based Credit System at the behest of MHRD is a clear cut example of State Controlled education in all Central universities violating Acts, statutes and ordinances of universities, the circle alleged.
It is an attempt by the state to control education sector for "non-academic reasons", the statement said adding that CBCS has taken away right to frame syllabus from universities.

It is very obvious from the fact that the budget allocation to UGC has been reduced from 9315 crore (2015-16) to 4286 crore (2016-17), the statement added.