The National Federation Party is today raising concern about the Education Minister Doctor Mahendra Reddy’s recent announcement about a number of changes being done by the Education Ministry.
NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad wants an independent Education Commission to be set up to look at all the education reforms and any major changes to be taken for debate in parliament.
He is concerned about the announcements to use modern technology to replace textbooks in schools, the Minister asking teachers to talk to students about specific issues in the constitution, the dress code of students, Doctor Reddy asking parents to discourage their children from watching shows like Mr Bean, the Minister saying that he wants a 100 percent pass rate although some students are studying in tents and schools yet to be repaired damaged by Cyclone Winston.
The NFP Leader says learning and teaching is a long term issue, and Doctor Reddy should not just make announcements in the speeches that he is making.
Prasad says he is seriously concerned about the Minister saying what should and should not be done.
Education Minister Doctor Mahendra Reddy says technology changes all the time, and he is talking about new technology that will be used by the Year 12 and 13 students in the near future.
He says Biman Prasad does not seem to know the new educational technology that is now being used by people.
Doctor Reddy says all he is saying is that they would like to expose children to educational cartoons and he also stands by his comments that they want a 100 percent rate pass in schools.
He says this is about creating a positive environment.
The Education Minister also says that the hold up in fixing some of the schools is the shortage of hardware items in the country.
He also says that he had asked schools to talk to students about the constitution so that they understand what is in the Bill of Rights and what is in the constitution.
