DC calls for early spotting of talent in students needed

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim has called upon teachers to spot hidden talents of students and nurture them, irrespective of the academic performance of the students.

During a meeting at the Zilla Panchayat hall on Monday to elicit opinions of teachers and members of NGOs on the new education policy of the Central government, the official said that skill development should be focused upon in the new pattern of education. There is, meanwhile, a need to throw out misconceptions regarding vocational courses among parents, suggested the official.

He informed that the public could upload their suggestions regarding the new educational police on Mygov.in.

‘Hazy proportion’

The teachers who attended the meeting demanded a ceiling on the number of students in a class. In many schools, they said, the recommended ratio of 1 teacher for 40 students was not maintained. “Also, the semester system is not favourable for the development of knowledge among students, as they tend to forget the subjects covered in the previous semesters.

There should be an internal evaluation system but not more than three examinations should be conducted in an academic year. There should be at least one teacher for a class,” they added, and requested the government to take up the work of appointment of subject teachers.

Lamenting that 25 per cent of the government schools did not have toilet facilities, the teachers stressed upon school buildings being provided basic facilities and infrastructure. The also complained that there was no sufficient grant for the maintenance of computer labs in aided schools.

Deputy director of the Department of Public Instruction Walter D’Mello said that the computers distributed under the first phase of Mahithi Sindhu programme – implemented during the tenure of former Chief Minister S M Krishna – were not in working condition. “The third phase is already being implemented, in the midst of such condition,” he rued.
Professor Muralidhar Naik felt that English should be taught from Class one. He added that vehicle facilities should be provided to children with mobility problems, especially to special children.

The deputy commissioner responded that a programme was being implemented to provide such vehicles to children with mobility issues.

School-merger

The deputy director said that, on a pilot basis, two schools each in Sullia and Puttur, which have low student strength, have been selected for a merger. He assured that vehicle facility would be provided to children in the areas.

Prajna Counselling Centre Director Hilda Rayappan said that special attention needs to be given towards early detection of risk factors among children, especially below-average children.

Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer P I Srividya suggested that teachers should also be given counselling.