‘This will have potential impact on aspiring candidates and educational equality’

The recently proposed draft rules have introduced a significant change in the eligibility criteria for the position of a lecturer in the school education department. According to the new rules, candidates must possess a post-graduation degree in the relevant subject along with a B.Ed qualification. The abrupt inclusion of B.Ed as a mandatory requirement has raised concerns and questions about the department’s intentions. This unexpected alteration has not been well received, especially among the youth of the union territory. Many view this decision as unjust, particularly for the deserving and highly qualified students who have dedicated immense effort to excel in competitive exams such as JRF, NET, SET, and GATE. Remarkably, even candidates with advanced qualifications such as Ph.D. and postdoctorate degrees would be rendered ineligible under these new rules.
This move could potentially lead to the exclusion of a large section of talented youth from applying for these lecturer positions. Moreover, it appears that the primary beneficiaries of this change would be the numerous B.Ed colleges in the union territory. This decision might inadvertently result in the proliferation of such colleges, which are often seen as profit-driven enterprises. Consequently, students aspiring to become lecturers would be compelled to invest significant sums of money to obtain an additional degree, further burdening unemployed youth who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Interestingly, this policy shift comes at a time when the higher education department is striving to reduce the emphasis on higher qualifications. The department has taken commendable steps, such as allocating more marks to written tests, to ensure that merit is the primary criterion for selection. This approach has opened doors for many talented youth in the valley, allowing them to access opportunities based on their skills and abilities rather than just academic qualifications. However, the school education department’s decision to introduce B.Ed as a mandatory requirement contradicts this positive trend. Instead of B.Ed, the department could have considered adding a competitive teacher examination like CTET to the eligibility criteria, providing a fairer opportunity for all applicants.
Furthermore, the draft rules mention the requirement of a B.Ed degree or its equivalent, without specifying what qualifies as an equivalent. It is essential for the authorities to clarify this ambiguity and outline any degrees or diplomas that would be deemed equivalent to B.Ed. Additionally, there is a provision in the draft rules stating that post-graduation in science subjects obtained through distance mode would not be considered. This stipulation jeopardizes the future of thousands of students enrolled in reputable institutions like IGNOU and other recognized open universities. These universities play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and conducting practical sessions for their students, even on weekends and holidays. Disregarding their degrees for the lecturer positions is both unfair and discriminatory.
In today’s educational landscape, distance and online mode degrees are becoming increasingly prevalent, with many reputable institutions offering high-quality online programs. It is imperative to recognize the value of these degrees and treat them on par with conventional degrees. Denying opportunities to learners pursuing distance and online education is a violation of their fundamental rights and hinders the decentralization of education, which is crucial in the current context.
Fortunately, these draft rules have been made public for objections and suggestions. It is essential that genuine concerns and objections raised by various stakeholders are carefully considered in the finalization of the recruitment rules. The goal should be to ensure that deserving candidates are not hindered by minor issues and can contribute meaningfully to the department and society in various capacities. No one should be denied their dream job due to bureaucratic hurdles.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Manzoor Ahmad Bhat