Institutions throw 7-man panel's suggestions out of the window

Hyderabad: In the year 2000, the government of undivided AP had formed a seven-member committee to study student suicides and suggest measures to prevent them. The report, which was submitted in 2002, identified two primary causes. The first was the clash between students’ and parents’ dreams and the second was that students were forced to perform beyond their capabilities.

The report suggested many reforms, including administrative changes in colleges, their functioning system, the fee structure and the most important, appointing a trained counselor in each institution. The committee was asked to look into issues starting from excess homework, basic amenities in the institutions, hostel facilities, medical aid to students and existing fee structures and suggest changes. A  few suggestions included that the managements should adhere to the guidelines of the Intermediate Board or the concerned affiliated body. It stressed on proper timings for institutions, especially for junior colleges.

“Judicious time should be allotted in colleges to coaching for competitive exams. Games and sports should be made compulsory. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities should be included in the schedules.” it stated. The committee suggested administrative changes. “Any activity in a college should be scheduled between 7 am and 7 pm and they should not be engaged in any activity beyond that. Teaching hours should not exceed nine hours. Two hours should be set aside daily for sports and recreation,” the report said.

According to the committee, each management should run only one institution. Keeping aside all these recommendations, institutions are mushrooming these days focusing only on scoring marks and fame. “We will see a change if a few of the committee’s suggestions are implemented and the government keeps tab on the functioning of institutions.” said Dr P. Madhusudan Reddy, president of Government Junior Lecturers Assoc-iation, Telangana.