Higher Education Minister K.T. Jaleel, who has come under fire from various quarters over the moderation marks row, has said that the controversy has been whipped up by those who were intimidated by the progress that the government has registered in the sector.
He also alleged that the department was being wrongfully targeted for having taken stern steps, including denial of wages, to teachers who wilfully abstained from the examination valuation process.
Dr. Jaleel countered the allegations raised against him by highlighting his achievements since assuming office at the helm of the department. He said the government had succeeded in revitalising the higher education sector that had remained largely neglected by the previous government.
‘Merit-based’
He said that the government veered away from the earlier practice of making appointments, including to the position of the Vice Chancellor, on the basis of caste and religious considerations. Instead, the LDF government appointed Vice Chancellors in five universities, purely based on their academic merit. In addition, pre-defined term periods have been fixed for appointments made to various statutory posts.
Academic calendar
Moreover, the government had succeeded in synchronising the academic calendar of all universities and bringing down the delay in conduct of examinations. Besides, the process of applying for various certificates had been simplified, a move that is bound to benefit several students and graduates.
