Stepping up against alleged irregularities in BEd colleges across the state, the West Bengal government on Thursday (September 3) threatened strict action
against institutions found operating without sufficient infrastructure or indulging in the covert sale of degrees, according to a PTI report. Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay, at a press meet, said that education would not be permitted to become a commodity or a business, cautioning that institutions violating prescribed norms would be punished. "The state government has already issued show-cause notices to over 450 BEd colleges following a large-scale inspection drive conducted across the state," a department official said. The inspections were conducted in July and August at 602 BEd colleges to review their infrastructure and academic activities, he added. The crackdown follows a letter from the chief secretary of a neighbouring state alleging that students from outside the state were securing degrees from BEd, polytechnic, ITI and pharmacy colleges in West Bengal in return for money, without actually attending regular classes, the Higher Education Department official said. Shortly after the complaint, the Higher Education Department announced a state-wide inspection of BEd institutions.
Colleges Assessed on 100-Point Matrix, Here's What Inspection Revealed
The minister said that colleges were assessed on a 100-point matrix covering infrastructure, teaching standards, teacher attendance and other parameters.
According to the findings, the average score recorded by institutions was 51.5 per cent.
Amid scrutiny, officials ascertained that 53 BEd colleges running across the state had no physical existence at their stated addresses.
In numerous cases, the premises were found locked, while in others they were being used for unrelated activities, according to the news agency.
In 17 cases, the officials found that BEd colleges had been registered or issued no-objection certificates at addresses like flats or drawing rooms.
In a few other instances, institutions such as BEd, polytechnic and pharmacy colleges allegedly appeared to be operating from the same premises, with signboards changed during inspections.
A total of 114 colleges scored below 30 out of 100 and were flagged as being in particularly poor condition, the department official said.
In total, 265 institutions were categorised as effectively non-functional or unfit, while the infrastructure of another 121 colleges was in a serious state.
Only 151 colleges scored between 65 and 85 per cent and were found to have “comparatively satisfactory infrastructure”, he added.
The inspection further raised concerns over the enrolment of students from other states.
West Bengal awards around 62,000 BEd degrees every year, Chattopadhyay said, claiming that students from Goa, the northeastern states and neighbouring states often enrol in colleges but do not attend classes on a regular basis.
He added that these students appear for examinations and secure degrees despite not undergoing regular academic sessions.
The minister inquired, “How could a Konkani-speaking student from Goa obtain a BEd degree from a Bengali-medium institution without attending classes?”
As of now, the government has issued show-cause notices to the colleges to fix the flaws, while sticking to the principles of natural justice.
If their replies are found unsatisfactory, the government may initiate stringent measures, including stopping admissions and recommending or initiating de-affiliation of the institutions, officials said, according to the news agency.
(With PTI Inputs)
