Education Minister promises revamp of department

Guwahati, May 31 (UNI) Asom Education Minister Ripon Bora today said no secondary school affiliated to the state board could switch over to the CBSE.

Talking to reporters, Mr Bora maintained that no school set up with affiliation to the state Secondary Board SEBA could seek approval for CBSE courses.

He was replying to a query over the state Education Department's initiative to curb the growing tendency of SEBA schools to opt for CBSE recognition.

The Minister also announced a seven-point initiative as part of his 'Clean Up Act' of the department.

He said a special cell to deal with complaints had become operational from today. A complaint box would be placed in front of the Minister's office at the state Secretariat and complaints would be received by post also.

Moreover, the Minister himself would be available at the elementary education directorate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning tomorrow.

Mr Bora further informed that review meetings at all levels would be held bi-monthly. As part of it, the first meeting would be held on June 9 at the state level.

Special teams would also be appointed for taking stock of progress of various infrastructural activities undertaken under Sarba Siksha Abhiyan, he added.

Mr Bora announced that no teacher from the elementary to the college level could visit the department directorate without prior permission from the respective controlling officers.

He reiterated that the Education department had made appointments since May 17, 2001, to 2006 only on compassionate grounds, as per Gauhati High Court directive and approval of the state public service commission.

He clarified that no illegal appointments had been made and all vacant post would be filled within a year.

He said, '' To minimise chances of fraud appointments, the credentials of the newly appointed teacher would be verified by the concerned authority before allowing him to join duty. '' Mr Bora said his 'Clean Up Act' was aimed that revamping the department and correcting the negative perception people had about it.

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