CRISIS CONTROL

Kolhan University has come out with a novel solution to tackle dearth of teachers in its constituent colleges. Henceforth, postgraduate toppers will don the role of mentors and conduct classes for undergraduate students.

The university, which is still struggling to get teachers from Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), has prepared a list of 16 toppers from each department who would be appointed as teacher assistants.

This initiative is not only aimed at conducting regular classes in 14 of its constituent colleges, but also motivating young postgraduate students to pursue teaching as a career.

The young teaching assistants would be on a year’s contract and would get a monthly honorarium of Rs 4,000.

“The plan will benefit both the toppers and the university. While the postgraduate toppers can earn some pocket money, academic discipline will be maintained if classes are conducted regularly,” said vice chancellor Salil Kumar Roy, who had experimented with this concept in 2009-10 when he was vice chancellor of Nilamber Pitamber University.

“We have made a list of toppers who would be appointed in colleges where teachers are needed. However, if a particular topper is unwilling to take up the teaching job, the next one would be given a chance,” Roy added.

However, Roy said that students should concentrate less on the honorarium and more on the experience they would gain. That would mean a lot for those who decide to take up teaching as a profession in future.

“The salary might not be decent, but the experience will be beneficial. We will encourage the toppers to pursue teaching and research and appear for JET, NET, BEd and MEd. Teaching students will motivate them to continue in the profession,” he said.

Students, Roy indicated, would be appointed according to the need and preferably not at their alma mater. Those who were posted in rural areas, would be given Rs 1,000 extra for conveyance.