A teacher by profession Deputy Chief Minister Dr Dinesh Sharma got education portfolio – a sector which is close to his heart. He had an opportunity to work in other departments but he preferred education sector because of his commitment to improve education standard of Uttar Pradesh. In a tête-à-tête with The Pioneer Dr Sharma said that copying mafia is calling shot that is spoiling careers of intelligent and hardworking students. We need to protect these students because we are targeting cause as why this is happening.
The excerpt of this interview:
Q: You have taken charge of Education department at a crucial time when Board examination are on and incidents of large scale copying are pouring in from all over state. How you are going to cope up with itIJ
A: When I took charge images of large scale copying in schools were splashed in electronic and print media. This reminded people of images of Bihar where people were seen climbing on the roofs and parapets of schools to facilitate cheating. The day I took charge of the department I called a meeting and asked officials to end this non-sense. I my self raided many schools in neighboring districts. The swift action had its impact and cheating came down drastically. Over 5 lakh students have dropped out because of the pressure built by the government. Over 500 centers have been debarred and around 300 schools have been blacklisted in such a short time.
Q: Still reports of cheating are pouring in.
A: Yes, there are, but the magnitude (of cheating) has come down. The copying is a big syndicate. This government is committed to end this racket. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath too has given green signal to take action against those schools or officials who are part of this racket. We have to realise that because of this racket intelligent students, who have burnt mid-night oil, are suffering. A student with low intelligence passes exam with flying colours on the basis of copying. We will not allow anyone to play with the future of students.
Q: This sound interesting. How you are going to improve education standardIJ
A: The first and foremost step is to ensure 220 days of studies in the academic session. This is now a known fact that schools are not working as per the academic calendar. In majority of schools number of teachers is not adequate. In many schools these teachers are more keen in arranging mid-day meal than imparting education to students. We are planning to set up Basic Education Council that will look after appointment of teachers. Secondly, we are identifying the cause of deterioration in education standard. As we know teachers in high schools force students to take private tuitions from them. This will end now.
Q: What’s about Higher Education sectorIJ
A: We are working in that sector too. Our priority is to regularize academic sessions in Colleges and universities. We will implement academic calendar in letter and in spirit.