Recognition to flawed MEd colleges withdrawn

Task Force had found shortcomings galore, but varsity failed to act

 The National Council for Teachers’ Education (NCTE) has withdrawn the recognition given to five City-based MEd colleges and one in Bangarpet, Kolar district, affiliated to the Bangalore University (BU).

The decision to withdraw the recognition for Vijaya Teachers’ College, Bangalore City College of Education, KIET College of Education, Smt Mehra’s College of Education, St Paul’s MEd College and Gold Field College of Education in Bangarpet was taken during a meeting of the Southern Regional Committee (SRC) of NCTE held between March 29 and April 1.

“The decision was based on the report of the BU Task Force on BEd and MEd colleges and the showcause notice issued to the university,” P Sriraman, a SRC co-ordinator, said.

The Task Force was constituted last year to inspect all BU-affiliated teacher education colleges.

Abysmal infrastructure

After the inspections, the Task Force had recommended that the university disaffiliate colleges with abysmal infrastructure and quality, those that did not even have a functional building or never conducted a single class the entire academic year.

However, owing to opposition from a section of the Syndicate members, the varsity has not implemented the recommendations, despite both the decision-making bodies (Academic Council and Syndicate) having passed the report. The Higher Education Department issued a show cause notice to the university in February 2013, for failing to take action against the blacklisted colleges.

“If the NCTE has decided to withdraw recognition to these colleges, the university has to abide by its decision,” Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof B Thimme Gowda said.

He said that the university has issued notices to over 50 other blacklisted teacher education colleges.

Surprise inspections

On whether they would be disaffiliated, Gowda said the colleges were alleging that the Task Force conducted surprise inspections similar to “CBI raids” and that they were not given a fair chance to represent themselves.

Complaining that the Task Force members had grabbed their records during the inspection, the colleges are seeking an impartial inquiry.

Three-member panel

Gowda said that the university will constitute a three-member committee consisting of educationists from outside Bangalore University to look into the issue. The State government too has approved the same, he added.

Meanwhile, principal secretary to the department of Higher Education Rajneesh Goel has addressed a letter on March 14 to Prof Seethamma, Registrar, Bangalore University, asking the varsity to update the department on the action taken against the controversial teacher education colleges.