Scrap GCET-2005
There are moments when governance acquires a surreal quality and it is students who are unfortunately in the throes of one such bizarre moment. So many different postures have been adopted during the past few months on the issue of "Goa Common Entrance Test-2005 or GCET-2005" that if it weren't so tragic, it would be laughable. Those who have been at the helm of affairs have acted as though they have the license to sting anyone they choose under the guise of adhering to the Supreme Court guidelines. Education is amongst the most important elements for growth and prosperity of a nation. It is an endless journey through knowledge and enlightenment in which there can be no scope for pettiness, confusion, lethargy or politics. And yet, there seems to be nothing about education that cannot be politicised. With less than a month's time having been given to prepare forthe common entrance test for admission in professional colleges, students of the State have been subjected to humiliation, stress and strain and a medley of confusion and uncertainty has been created in the process. The questions the students are asking are legitimate and one must empathize with them. Why were they not informed at the beginning of the year that only 'GCET' results would be considered for admissions in professional colleges? Why is such an educationally unsound decision being imposed on them so hurriedly? Why should they be made to suffer the brunt of the mess that has been created by the politicians? Who is to be held responsible for the mental trauma and suffering they are facing: Parrikar, Rane, Jamir or all of them? Whatever be the case, one thing is for certain: Never in the field of education has so much damage been done by so few to so many. It is pertinent to note that these students are not only the future citizens but also future of the Nation. India shall be a better or worse place to live according to how well we treat them today. Our young students need to be valued, nurtured, caressed and protected and society in general owes a responsibility for taking care of their well being and welfare. Why are we then silently witnessing the gross injustice being meted out to them vis-�-vis the 'GCET' issue? Why is there so much indifference on our part and why are we not joining hands with them on an issue so vital, imperative and significant? Is this the right way to build the confidence amongst them to face the future? Is this the right way of harvesting a future crop of responsible adults vital for a well functioning future society? At such a critical juncture, these young students need support and solidarity. As it is, there is an overwhelming pressure on them owing to endless study hours and the bulk of syllabus. The present pathetic state of affairs should therefore not be allowed to persist, lest the distress faced by the students turn into severe depression. Sensitive and well-intending people must come together to try and give a fresh lease of life to these wretched souls. With no Government in place, the time is ripe for the Governor to adopt a sympathetic attitude towards the students but for that he must first come out of his cocoon. Does our Governor simply wish to live a life of luxury or does he wish to uphold the dignity of the constitution and the post that he holds? Does he wish to merely enjoy a "paid holiday" at the tax payers' costs or does he wish to take up the role of a full-fledged participant in the process of good governance? Does he wish to act and behave like a king being surrounded by hordes of bodyguards and cohorts or does he wish to act like an elder statesman, as someone who would prefer to play a more pro-active role and who would discharge his duties with commitment, dedication and integrity? Good governance is an attribute that is partly inborn and partly developed by experience. The Governor, who has vast experience, must act like a 'noble healer'. He must not wait ', as 'Parrikar' put it, "for the new Government to take the decision". Governments can wait, governance cannot. The wrong that has been done to the students must be undone immediately. Care and caution is needed to see that tender feelings of innocent young students do not get hurt and they do not get infuriated into emotional outbursts. Consensus on education has a long tradition in our country. The present and hurried implementation of 'GCET' makes serious departures from education policies as no due process of consultations has taken place. 'GCET', as, when and how it needs to be implemented must be validated by the due process of consensus. As of now, it is best that the Governor scraps 'GCET-2005' in totality. Cheers Sandeep Heble Panaji-Goa ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using NWebmail, BSNL's Webmail Program
