Assam Education Minister finds link between "empty-headed" teachers and Guwahati water pipe burst; faces criticism

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jun 25, 2023 | Kabir Chakraborty

The minister compared knowledge to a flowing river that cannot be stopped. He also remarked that overworked and fatigued brains produce nothing.

Digital
Desk: Ranoj Pegu, the education minister of Assam, came under criticism for
reportedly abusing teachers by calling them "empty-headed" and
equating them to the Guwahati water pipe rupture occurrences.

State
Education Minister Ronoj Pegu delivered a lengthy speech at the annual session
of the Assam College Principals' Council held at Jawaharlal Nehru College on
Saturday. The state education minister targeted a segment of teachers in the
middle of his speech, claiming their heads are running out of "maal"
(substance). The programme was attended by 49 school principals.

Pegu
said in his address, "Now, there are several teachers who do not want to
take classes and are negligent in their responsibilities." Do you know why
they struggle to attend classes? Because their minds are blank. So, what are
they going to teach? They have ceased learning and have forgotten what they
have learned since accepting a government job. However, there are a few who,
after learning information, are eager to share it with others."

The
minister compared knowledge to a flowing river that cannot be stopped. He also
remarked that overworked and fatigued brains produce nothing.

The
minister's words did not go down well, and many people took to social media to
criticize him for his remarks during the program.

He
stated that college lecturers will play a key part in the implementation of the
National Education Policy 2020 and that by 2040, every institution of higher
learning will be self-sufficient. Education Minister Ronoj Pegu has made
numerous significant recommendations and comments in this regard.

The minister's statement comes after
Ranoj Pegu expressed concern over a lack of coordination among educators on the
Siksha Setu App a few days earlier. He emphasized the importance of instructors
performing their duties and raised concerns about collecting salary while
failing to meet requirements.