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SAM PITRODA
CHAIRMAN
2nd May, 2008
Dear Mr.
Prime Minister,
As you have repeatedly
emphasized, a strong foundation in the pure sciences is essential to transform India
into a knowledge superpower. Unfortunately, as the economy grows, fewer
students are opting for the pure sciences. This has led to a talent crunch, seriously
impeding the development of the future generation of scientists and teachers.
We are aware that this is a world-wide phenomenon, but countries like China and South Korea, having invested
prudently in science education, are now beginning to reap rich dividends.
In this context, NKC carried
out wide consultations with experts through a series of workshops and
interviews. A working group of eminent persons was also constituted to consider
all aspects of the problem. Based on these inputs, NKC has formulated a set of
recommendations to attract and retain talented students in basic sciences which
are summarised in the following paragraphs. More details are given in the accompanying
note. We have chosen to reiterate some of the proposals which overlap with the
views of other expert groups. We stress that this matter is extremely urgent and
a rapid implementation is now crucial to effect a paradigm change in the field
of Science education and research in the country.
1. Invest in upgrading
and expanding the existing infrastructure and promote sharing of available
resources –University
departments and leading undergraduate science colleges should be generously
funded to upgrade their staff and facilities. To encourage good departments,
‘Centres of excellence’ should be identified with comprehensive review and
evaluation procedures in place. To create a critical mass of scientists in each
science stream undergraduate seats should be increased in good institutes
and undergraduate programmes should be introduced at institutes where only post
graduate teaching is currently undertaken. Innovative methods for sharing
resources and faculty between institutes and universities need to be evolved.
At the same time, university management at all levels should be made more professional
and sensitive towards working in an academic and research environment to
promote optimal utilization of resources.
2. Revitalize the
teaching profession to attract and retain quality teachers – The working condition of teachers needs to be
drastically improved. Rewards and recognition should be publicized and given at
all levels. Teachers at the school and college level should be encouraged to
develop innovative teaching methods. Research should be promoted in colleges by
building linkages between colleges and research institutions. Academic autonomy
and flexibility should be encouraged. Further, a mentoring programme for young
faculty members should be started in universities and colleges. Many reserved
faculty posts remain vacant in the absence of innovative or flexible
appointment modes to fill these posts, creating enormous practical difficulties
in teaching. There is a need to start a systematic affirmative campaign 2
to rectify this situation. Young students who can eventually fill these
posts could be selected from an early age and nurtured and trained carefully to
induct them into a career in teaching.
3. Revamp teacher
training at all levels and promote development of teaching aids to retain
student attention in classrooms – A
systemic change in science pedagogy from primary and high school levels is
required. There is a need to launch a large scale in-service training programme
for all science teachers based on the initiative undertaken by Science
academies. At the undergraduate level, the present method of faculty training
conducted by Staff Training Institutes/ Centres should be reviewed and
revamped. In addition, there is a need to provide a platform for life long
skill enhancement of teachers. Teacher organizations like the Indian
Association of Physics Teachers should be strengthened and financially
supported so that they can become leaders in developing new teaching
methodologies and make significant contributions to content and evaluation
reforms.
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