Minister of state in Bengal's education ministry complains about private institutions charging high fees for BEd and DElEd courses
Minister says institutions lack adequate facilities, classes are sporadic and there are no instructors present
According to a complaint made to his own department by a minister of state in Bengal's education ministry, at least nine private institutions in North Dinajpur charge BEd and DElEd students expensive tuition fees despite having inadequate facilities.
The West Bengal Board of Primary Education president has received a letter from Satyajit Barman, the district's MLA for Hemtabad, asking for his help on the matter. Any applicant who wants to work as a teacher in a secondary or upper secondary state-aided school must have a BEd (bachelor of education) degree.
Barman has brought up the matter with the state board of primary education since instructors in state-aided primary schools must have the DElEd (diploma in elementary education).
"We discovered that nine universities, which either offer one of these two courses or both, charge students exorbitant rates. The majority of these universities lack adequate infrastructure. Classes are sporadic and there are no instructors present. The education department should look into the situation and take the necessary action, according to Barman.
Eight of the nine private institutions he listed are in his Assembly district, while the ninth is close by in Raiganj.
Political repercussions have resulted from this allegation made by the junior minister of the state education department.
"The allegation demonstrates how appallingly the Mamata Banerjee administration manages the education department. According to a top Congress politician from the area, they have given the go-ahead for such colleges to operate and award degrees and certificates to students without the necessary facilities.
The state board received the minister's complaint, according to sources there. "The issue will be investigated. Teams will be sent, if needed, to investigate the validity of the allegation, according to a source.
A principal refuted Barman's allegations. "We were made aware of the minister's grievance. Let's be clear: We have everything needed to operate in accordance with state education department regulations. The head of one of these institutions, Sanghamitra Ghosh, said, "We are prepared to face any investigation.
