AMU teachers urge Govt to tailor NEP to Indian students’ needs rather than ‘copy-pasting’, scrap NTA

NEW DELHI: Aligarh Muslim University Teachers’ Association (AMUTA) organised a protest at the university staff club against privatisation of education in India in solidarity with the Joint Forum for Movement on Education (JFME), at the call of the Federation of Central Universities Teachers’ Associations (FEDCUTA).

Highlighting the “growing discontent” among the academic community regarding the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the AMUTA said that the government policy is “promoting the commercialisation of education and the erosion of institutional autonomy”.

Urging the government to revisit its new education policy, the members of the teachers group suggested tailoring the NEP to the requirements of Indian students rather than “copy-pasting”. It also demanded the Centre to restore the old pension scheme, Maulana Azad Education Foundation, fellowships for minorities, and increase budget allocation for education to 10% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Further, it demanded scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and restoration of institutional autonomy. The NTA faced severe criticism from students, academics and public after the sanctity of the competitive exams were compromised at several centres across the country and due to several paper leak allegations. Notably, the NEET paper leak 2024 and cancellation case was heard by the Supreme Court, which ordered the testing agency to conduct retest for more than 1,500 students.

“Each institution is unique and serves a particular function. The government's fixation on centralisation is eroding the autonomy of educational institutions. Rather than enhancing transparency and simplifying processes, centralisation has made procedures more opaque and difficult, particularly for students from marginalised communities,” it added.

11 demands of AMUTA

A large number of teachers gathered to voice their concerns against the regressive provisions in education, including AICTE draft regulations 2024, and poor implementation of NEP. The AMUTA also put forward 11 demands.

1. Public spending on education to be increased to 10 % of GDP
2. Right to Education from ECCE to PG Level
3. Gender-sensitive and safe campus
4. Scrap National Testing Agency (NTA)
5. Reinstate scholarships for minorities and SC, ST, and OBC
6. Fill vacant posts in teaching and non-teaching
7. Absorb adhoc, temporary staff
8. Release salaries and pensions in time
9. Resolve anomalies of the 7th pay commission
10. Constitute the 8th pay commission
11. Restore old pension scheme.