A section of teachers in the University of Kerala has expressed their reservations on the proposed State Assessment and Accreditation Centre (SAAC) that is set to be launched by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC).
The Kerala University Teachers Organisation (KUTO), which conducted a study into the proposed parameters of SAAC, has stated that the Kerala-specific parameters, which is touted to be among the unique features of the accreditation centre, were unrealistic. The three parameters were in addition to the seven laid down by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
Besides, while the SAAC has been envisaged to take stock of secular and progressive credentials of campuses, it is conspicuously silent on ragging, human rights violation, drug abuse, violence and denial of political freedom in campuses. The key indicators seem to have been drawn up in an unrealistic manner, the report stated.
The organisation, which agreed to the idea of SAAC is it was capable of replacing the activities of NAAC in the State, feared that the existence of both agencies would overburden the teaching community which will be forced to spend much of their efforts for yet another stock-taking exercise.
It is also alleged that the ‘pet ideas’ of the KSHEC were being thrust upon higher education institutions by making them indicators of quality. It has opposed the efforts to popularise outcome-based education and graduate attributes, which have been proposed to come under the ambit of the assessment process of SAAC.
The KUTO also accused the KSHEC of including certain indicators with political motive.
While the draft proposals of SAAC include weightage for programmes included for promoting scientific temper and secular outlook, the KUTO has questioned the propriety behind including such aspects as a yardstick for assessment. “Will colleges which encourage teachers and students to support a political show, claiming to be secular, be provided marks for assessment. Who will decide what is secular and scientific,” the organisation asked.
