Centre solves PTTI problem

Updated on: Friday, November 06, 2009

The Calcutta High Court had held that the courses run in Bengal were illegal as they were not recognised by NCTE. As per NCTE norms, the duration of DEd course should be two years and only those passed their Class-XII exams with 50% marks would be eligible for admission.

“What is happening in West Bengal is that Class-X passouts and Class-XII passouts with less than 50% marks are pursuing one-year DEd programmes. We have worked out different formula for these students to make up their requirements and be eligible as teachers,” HRD minister Kapil Sibal said. In consultation with the state government, it has been decided to offer a one-year bridge course to such students who have cleared their Class-XII exams with 50% marks. The ministry thinks it will help 16,759 students. The course will be prepared in Bengali and is expected to be ready by November.

For those who passed Class XII with less than 50% marks, it has been decided that they can improve their score through National Institute of Open Schooling examination. Students will get five attempts to improve their marks. It will help 7,080 students. For the remaining 7,302 students who are only Class X pass, it has been decided that they can appear for Class XII through the open school either of the NIOS or the state government. Once these students attain the minimum qualification, they can join the one-year bridge course.

But West Bengal government, it seems, will not learn its lesson. Recent advertisements for recruitment of primary teachers has invited applications again from youths who have passed their Class-X exams.

Centre solves PTTI problem

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