We called it once the “dirty little secret” of the Education Department because of the sheer size of B. Ed production factory in Kashmir.
B Ed Blues
Any wrong practice in B Ed colleges can bring disrepute to the institution of education in Kashmir
The allegations made by a group of north Indian students, who are pursing B Ed course, about the mass copying are deeply disturbing and doff putting. The students allege that the concerned authorities have made promises with them of being allowed mass copying in the examination centre as a huge amount of money has been paid by the students in the form of boarding, lodging and admission in the respective colleges. In order to better the educational standards and to expand the base of educational sector in Kashmir it was a conscious step taken by educational authorities to attract students from other states to Kashmir.
B Ed course was on top of the list that attracted huge number of students from outside J&K. It was an encouraging sign that those who perused this course in the colleges of the Valley were very satisfied with the way they received training and their degrees mattered a lot in their respective states. This was one of the reasons that Valley saw flourishing of B Ed colleges. A huge rush of students from various states of India came to valley despite media in India projecting the image of Kashmir as a zone full of violence.
But all this seemed to have adversely affected the quality of education in our B Ed colleges. In an attempt to earn more money, people running these colleges started compromising many things. If the allegation of students that mass copying is encouraged to send this message across that even if students don’t attend their classes and also don’t work hard they can get the degree certificate, is true then it is a matter that needs to dealt with seriously. If the concerned authorities don’t give heed to it, it will be their tacit approval to whatever wrong practices have crept in these colleges.
Also, while it is important to looking into the matter as early as possible, there is infact urgency to bring the truth to the fore. The higher officials in the education department must not exhibit a lackadaisical approach while dealing with this matter and if something wrong is found the authorities should take strict possible action against the culprits. Besides, if need arises the registration of such colleges should be canceled permanently as it involves the prestige of our state. Whosoever tries to damage that prestige should be dealt with an iron hand.
(Rising Kashmir)