27th AIFUCTO Statutory Conference at Mangalore on ‘Changing
Paradigms of Higher education – 12th Plan initiatives’ [30th Nov. to
2nd Dec. 2013]
The 27th Statutory Conference of All India Federation of University & College Teachers’
Organizations (AIFUCTO) was inaugurated by union minister for transportation, road and
highways Oscar Fernandes on Saturday November 30 at Loyola Hall, St Aloysius PU
College.
Nearly 2,000 teachers from more than 20 states from all over the country participating in
the national seminar on 'Changing Paradigms of Higher Education -12th Plan Initiatives'
to be held from November 30 to December 2.
The conference was organized by AIFUCTO and Association of Mangalore University
College Teachers (AMUCT) in association with Federation of University and College
teacher’s Association in Karnataka (FUCTAK) and St Aloysisus College (Autonomous).
J R Lobo MLA, released the conference souvenir. Capt Ganesh Karnik, MLC, was the chief
guest. Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, vice-chancellor, Mangalore University presided
over
the
occasion
along
with
various
other
dignitaries
on
the
dais.
Speaking after the inauguration, Oscar Fernandes said, "Teaching has distinctly changed
as the students today have a different thought. American President Obama had once in
his address to students asked them to be aware of the students of India and Bangalore;
this clearly shows the extent to which our state and country is recognized.
"Six members of my family including myself are teachers, and I am always willing to
attend programmes in schools and colleges and educational institutes. Education is a
major challenge faced by our country today. We will become an economic power one day,
but we will continue to be an intellectual power even then. There are 18 legislations
pending to be passed in the parliament pertaining to education," he added.
He further said, "I had been earlier been chosen to be the chairman of the National
Human Rights Commission, which was one of the high points of my political career. The
legislature that every child must be given education has been passed two years ago and
we need to work hard to achieve and maintain that level.
"India is lagging behind in research. Education must be provided to every child in the
country. Students should not stop learning once they get a job. By 2020 everybody
should be literate. Education must motivate students to take up research and teaching.
There is so much more to be explored in the field of education," he added.
In his address, J R Lobo said that higher educational institutes have to act as a guiding
force to the youth and help them to achieve their goals and manifest themselves, but we
are lagging behind as none of the institutions are providing the required environment and
field to enable students to manifest their skills.
"We need to introspect as to why our youth are not attaining higher educational
qualifications. Hence higher education must be given more importance and priority," he
added.
None of our universities have global fame, today is the day we find where we are going
wrong. Unless we show the path to the youth, we are in difficulty. In the next three days,
we can think on the lines of upgrading our universities to global standards. I hope
Mangalore
will
set
the
trend
for
new
policies
on
higher
education.”
Capt Ganesh Karnik, MLC said, “Coastal Karnataka is famous for education. India has a
legacy in education. The achievement of ISRO is an eye opener for the entire world. In
Karnataka, nearly 1,40,00,000 students are attending educational institutions everyday
with more than 4,00,000 teachers. The challenge lies in the ability to convert the human
resource
to
explore
to
its
fullest
potential."
Fr Denzil Lobo, rector, St Aloysius Institutions, highlighted the problem with the current
education system where there is no link between primary, higher secondary and higher
education,
which is
causing
an
anomaly in
the quality
of
education.
Prof Tarun Kumar Patra, president, AIFUCTO said, “Today, under the neo-liberal
economic conditions, privatization, commercialization and commoditization of higher
education in the global market has emerged as major threats to the access, equity and
quality. Access is being denied to the lower depths of society. So called private and
foreign education providers are invited by the government to enter the arena of higher
education
in
India
for
profiteering.”
Speaking on the problems of the teachers, he said “In most states, the teachers are not
getting their 80% arrears from January 1, 2006 to March 31, 2010. Teachers are being
deprived of MPhil/PhD increments. Excepting Tripura, West Bengal and Kerala, the
pension scheme, the strongest social measures have been withdrawn. A very large
community of teachers consisting of part time, contractual, guest lecturers are working
with a meagre amount of emoluments without any security of service and avenues of
promotions. It is my firm belief that our united actions and well organized movements
will overcome the challenges of globalization.”
Dr Norbert Lobo, president, AMUCT proposed the vote of thanks.