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Need of the hour: Special status for teachers

PARVATHY JAYAKRISHNAN examines the many valid reasons why teachers need to be given the respect, remuneration, safety and security they deserve

Published

5 years ago

November 6, 2018

Parvathy Jayakrishnan

A teacher fills in as a parent in the formative years of a child, she/he guides and corrects a child when he make mistakes, encourages students to reach for the stars and applauds their achievements. All packed in one, a teacher’s role is not an easy one. A teacher sometimes takes on the role of a parent, a friend, a confidant and much more. A student spends so many years interacting with his/her teachers on a daily basis and the role of a teacher in a student’s life cannot be replaced by any other professional in society. And clearly, it is the teachers who are responsible for building good citizens. Hence, good teachers are truly what a country needs to move forward. The unfortunate reality is, despite all these responsibilities and roles resting on a country’s teachers, they not given the respect and special status they truly deserve.

An army man in uniform or a doctor is well-respected in our society. In some states, patients remove their footwear before entering a doctor’s chamber as a mark of respect – the kind of respect that you give God while entering a place of worship. We smile and sometimes even bow our heads as a mark of respect when we see an army man in uniform. However, the work and efforts of teachers are more often than not ignored in our society. Is it a kind of conditioning that we are brought up with?

We are very proud of our sacred guru-shishya parampara, which is a tradition of spiritual relationship and mentoring where learning is transmitted from a guru "teacher" to a shishya "disciple". Such knowledge, whether it be Vedic, agamic, architectural, musical or spiritual, is imparted through the developing relationship between the guru and the disciple. We talk ever so proudly about our Gurukul system of learning where the students live near the guru or in the same house as the guru and learn lessons of life from the guru. The guru does this without accepting any fees from the students because the relationship between a teacher and student is considered sacred.

Sonal Ahuja, Learning evangelist, founder, House of Learning explains that for thousands of years, the Indian subcontinent revered its teachers to the highest level. “Indian tradition dictated that teachers must be treated with respect that paralleled kings. The Mahabharata famously depicted the story of Eklavya, a gifted archer who cut off this thumb as Guru Dakshina to show his unconditional gratitude to his Guru, Drona.”

So, we cannot completely blame our conditioning because our traditions and values teach us to respect “the teacher” the same way that you respect God. Then where did we go wrong and why aren’t teachers today given the kind of respect they deserve?

Urvashi Warman, Principal, The Palace School, The City Palace, Jaipur believes that the government needs to step in and set high parameters for teacher selection. She says, “When we have such stringent standards set at the entry level for doctors and engineers, why are we so lax in raising the bar at the entry level to become a teacher … a teacher who actually helps to give good doctors and engineers to the society? The government should also set decent rates for monthly emoluments so the teacher is not forced to indulge in additional commercial activities to make two ends meet. This by far is diluting not only the standard of education being imparted but is also lowering the stature of a teacher as he gets relegated to the level of a commercial tutor rather than getting elevated to the pedestal of an Acharya or Guru.”

Shalini Dahiya, educator, Modern School – Barakhamba Road, New Delhi explains why teaching is underrated today.

“Occupational status depends on the public valuing of the competence, role and overall contribution of a particular occupation to individual and social welfare.

Teachers are struggling for a special status as firstly they are not considered as a temple of knowledge or a good character building instrument, with the surge of social media and too much of information available on the internet.”

Teachers in other countries

Japan

Japan is one of the countries in the world where the teaching profession is respected and valued. Here’s how they make sure that teachers are given the special status they deserve…
Teachers in Japan have traditionally been paid better than other civil servants. Japan’s average teacher salary for a lower secondary school teacher after 15 years of service is US$47,561, as compared to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) average of US$40,569. Following WWII, over concerns about teacher shortages, the Prime Minister decreed that teachers would be paid 30 percent more than other civil servants. Although this gap has decreased over the last 50 years, by law teachers remain relatively highly paid among civil servants. Also, teacher salaries do not vary much across the country because teachers are paid from both the national government and the prefecture government so they are relatively consistent regardless of an area’s income levels or property values.

In Japan, teachers are addressed with the honorific sensei, a term also used when addressing a doctor or member of Parliament. Teachers are held in such high regard that they are often contacted before parents by the police if a student is in trouble with the law.

The teaching profession in Japan is also highly selective which ensures that only the best and most committed teachers enter the profession. Those who do make the cut only do so after a rigorous set of school board exams and evaluations and teachers must hold a degree from an institution of higher education.

Finland

The Finland education system regularly tops the international Pisa performance rankings and the teachers need to take the credit for it. Finland’s teachers are different from the rest of the world because they believe that extensive training is the basis for giving teachers the autonomy to work the way they want. The result is a highly prized profession and good education system. This has even led to educational tourists coming in to learn the Finnish experience. The high-level training is the basis for giving young teachers a great deal of autonomy to choose what methods they use in the classroom – in contrast to most countries where teaching feels like a profession that oscillates between administration and giving tests to students. In Finland, teachers are largely free from external requirements such as inspection, standardised testing and government control – school inspections were scrapped in the 1990s. In Finland, teachers are given high-quality education so that they know how to use the freedom they are given in the classroom and they learn to solve problems in a research-based way.

China

The 2013 Varkey Foundation Global teacher status index report revealed that it is only in China that people think of teachers are being most closely compared to doctors. In the US, Brazil, France and Turkey, people thought teachers were most similar to librarians and in New Zealand people think the job of teaching is most similar to nursing. The report found that teachers in China have the highest level of public respect. Most foreign English teachers in China receive benefits like free or reimbursed airfare to and from their home country, and/or free furnished housing. Many teachers also receive health insurance and paid vacation. It is one of the few countries where parents were most likely to encourage their kids to become teachers.

Respect and remuneration

One important dimension of how an occupation is regarded, and which is inextricably linked to standing or social status, is pay. An individual’s standing in a culture depends on how much they are paid in absolute or relative terms.

The 7th Pay Commission, launched in September 2015 ensured that the teachers in primary schools, secondary and higher secondary schools, colleges and universities get a hiked net salary of 16 per cent. However, the yearly increment of 3 percent did not change.

Dr. Dheeraj Mehrotra, National Teacher Awardee 2005 & Academic Evangelist, Next Education India believes that “The imbalance from the teaching profession, highlights a great divide with narration of unethical practices of low salary and refund of said amount via account transfer as reverse payment. There must be a check on equal pay for all grades and at all levels.”

It is important that teachers are provided with a substantial yearly increment to prevent attrition and keep them motivated. Also, there is a huge gap between the salaries of a primary school teacher and a high school teacher. This gap needs to be addressed as primary school teachers are equally important and this has to be shown by ensuring their salaries are on par with the rest.

Urvashi Warman, Principal, The Palace School, The City Palace, Jaipur avers, “The teacher is by far a silent sentinel of a country's future and if this sentinel is not compensated adequately in terms of financial and social security, the country's future is sure to be doomed. This doom is inevitable because the poorly compensated teacher, who is a role model for his students,is sure to indulge in acts which totally demean his stature and thus sets a poor example for his students to emulate.”

According to Dr Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster, The Punjab Public School, Nabha, “The primary reason we all work is for money – so teachers should get their due financial recognition which will definitely bring young, intellectual people into this noble profession. Proper management of funds by the school authorities should be done and teachers should be given regular incentives and bonuses on the basis of their performance. ”

Measures to ensure teachers’ financial stability

Teaching is a profession which requires going beyond the call of duty to deliver great results. Financial stability is a must for teachers and the government must bring in special allowances and privileges for teachers so that they can sustain themselves well without having to find secondary jobs to make ends meet. The remuneration you receive is also a sign of your value to the school and an underpaid teacher will always feel unimportant.

Teachers can be granted allowances based on the number of years of service or excellence in their work. It is worth a thought whether the salaries of teachers need to be taxed at all or even if they are taxed, there needs to be a separate slab which will ensure minimal taxation.

Every school can also ensure that a teacher’s child learns for free or is given a subsidized fee.

Lavita Kacker, Head of Department- Social Sciences, Sacred Heart School, Kalyan suggests that “Financial stability measures for teachers may include provision of housing allowances, reduction in taxation on income, attractive investment schemes, medical reimbursement, concession on public transport and better pension facilities.”

Shraddha Bhatnagar, Headmistress (Head of Cambridge Section), Seedling World School, Udaipur wishes that the government checks the imbalance between salaries of teachers in private and government-run schools.

Proper remuneration is important to boost a teacher’s self-confidence and make her/him feel secure in the job. Yearly increments and bonuses are also required for the same reason. A job which does not do that will, at some point, end up being taxing.

“The pay commissions are restricted to government aided, affiliated and government run schools. There is no start up point for early childhood sector and private schools where teachers are exploited with low pay scales. A respectful minimum pay scale should be mandatory for schools to pay to their teachers. There should be levels of training with specialisations in teaching as in the medical field and accordingly a pay scale armed with good gratuity, pension, and life covers for financial stability,” says Smriti Agarwal, Sr. Headmistress, Podar Jumbo Kids Powai, Mumbai.

Kavitha Vyas, Director, Crystal Kids Pre-School, Vadodara mentions that job security is absolutely necessary to ensure a teacher’s financial stability. They can be trained further for higher grades and regular promotions to improve their pay scale. More social security and medical benefits for their family are also required, she maintains.

Safety for teachers in schools

It is not uncommon today to hear the news of a teacher being stabbed by a student or attacked by an adult or a mob in the school premises. So tricky is the state of affairs today that teachers are often scared of even punishing a child for doing wrong for fear of his/her own safety. Safety of students in schools is always talked about as a priority that is pursued by parents. However, a school should also provide safety and support to its teachers so that they can function normally and without fear. Merely providing compensation to the family of the deceased is not a solution to the problem. Teachers need to feel safe to do their job faithfully and without fear. School authorities need to ensure this happens. Parents also need to teach their children the importance of teachers in their lives.

According to Dr Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster, The Punjab Public School, Nabha, “A school should be as safe for a teacher as it is for a student. Rather than enforcing restrictive discipline among children, the parents should take equal responsibility of bringing up their children and instil strong moral values and ethics.”

Speaking about the need for an emergency response system,Yasin Khatri, Sacred Heart School, Kalyan explains that teachers must be trained to handle any crisis that takes place around them. The feasibility of the emergency response system must be checked through frequent mock drills at school. “Students must be sensitised and teachers should be trained to identify such cases within the classroom or around. Immediate psychological help must be provided to pupils who need it.”

Priyanka Singh, ICT Educator, The HDFC School, Gurgaon emphasises that schools should have a security check system at the entrance so that people cannot enter a school premise with weapons. She also suggests schools have a police booth in its vicinity so that help can be immediately sought in case of any mishaps.

“The Government must have good health care and on-call medical facilities in every school across the country. Metal detectors and CCTV cameras should be installed within the school. EQ and IQ evaluation of students should be conducted to identify problems amongst students. Uniform level of safety and security measures for all schools should be ensured,” says Lavita Kacker, Head of Department – Social Sciences, Sacred Heart School, Kalyan.

Suggesting that self-defence for teachers can be part of the teacher training programme, Smriti Agarwal, Sr. Headmistress, Podar Jumbo Kids Powai, Mumbai also advocates instant justice and firm law in cases where teachers are physically, emotionally or sexually harassed, so that it creates a sense of fear in any individual towards the consequences of such an act.

Urvashi Warman, Principal, The Palace School, The City Palace, Jaipur has a different opinion on how to tackle the safety issue of teachers in schools. She says, “The solution to violence in schools does not lie in turning the school or any educational institute into a fortress. The solution lies in empowering the teaching faculty with proper life skills which they need to impart to students from a very young age. When the student community is sensitised and learns how to deal with issues like rejection, failures, grief, disappointment and general strengthening of the emotional quotient, the problem of increase in violence is sure to dissipate very soon.”

What we can do to ensure teachers are respected

The role of teachers is paramount in shaping the future of the country. The government should include teachers while reforming educational policies. With the digitisation of education happening at a rapid pace, the role of teachers is also changing drastically. Today, teachers are taking on roles of being advisors, friends and disciplinarians to students rather than the conventional role of a teacher who only explains what is there in the textbook. However, the role of a teacher is indispensable in a student’s life and it is imperative that the student understands it and respects the teacher accordingly.

Suman Sood, Territory Head, Kolkata Chapter, Early Childhood Association explains the importance of giving grants to teachers so that they can better themselves. She says “Involved and passionate teachers are always wanting to do things differently so that they may enhance learning of their students. Innovative teaching is important, but it can be expensive. The US model of giving grants to teachers for enhancing their skills and using funds for buying teaching aids can be followed for our teachers. Some of the grants given may be Professional Development Grants for Teachers, Funds for Classroom Enrichment/Student Achievement, STEM Grants, and Humanities Grants.”

Shraddha Bhatnagar, Headmistress (Head of Cambridge Section), Seedling World School, Udaipur suggests, “Government can think of rewarding/awarding teachers annually for their outstanding contributions. One of these rewards can be the official use of the upaadhi ‘Guruji’ or ‘Gurudev’ with their names.”

Summary

Verbally, we talk highly of teachers, praise their work and value them. But mere lip service is not enough. We need to show it by giving them the special status they truly deserve; by showing them that they are indeed doing a selfless job in raising citizens of this nation. We can take a leaf out of the books of some of the nations who treat their teachers on par with other noble professions and provide them with special rights. We need to make our teachers feel safe, secure and wanted.

To make sure that teachers continue in the same profession, we need to ensure that they are guaranteed financial stability and substantial yearly increments. A change in the mindset of parents is also very much required. It is very common to see parents wanting to see their children become doctors or engineers; we need to encourage our children to become teachers as well as ensure that the teaching profession is on par with any other profession. To facilitate this better, the salaries in the teaching profession need to be on par with those of other professions. Let us bring back the glory of the teaching profession from the days of Dronacharya or Ved Vyas and ensure that teachers today are treated with love and respect. We need to make a strong effort for this but together, we can.

What teachers want…

“Financial security being the top priority, recognition for their selfless service in the upbringing of others’ children which goes unnoticed. Teachers posted in remote areas should get extra allowances. Quality time to spend with family will work as an incentive in improving their output. Also, monitoring through CCTVs should be focused on students’ actions rather than teachers.”

Dr Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster, The Punjab Public School, Nabha

“Matching teachers’ salary to the best salary in the market is a must. Sponsorship of teachers to visit schools across the world to learn the best practices is important. Collaboration among Indian teachers and creating a forum of teachers to share best practices is also necessary. Teacher education courses should be enhanced and the process for it should be eased.”

Mohammed Azhar, Principal, Knowledge Academy School, Chennai

“Teacher (Tr.) Title should be given to teachers and Sr. Tr. to teachers who have been into the teaching profession with a minimum of 15 years. A requisite of a Teachers’ Club in every city with provisions for teachers' welfare and community should be there. To teach is to preach; teaching is no doubt the most trusted profession in the world. Let teachers be recognised and saluted for their commitment towards enriching young minds and igniting them towards becoming prosperous nation builders of tomorrow.”

Dr Dheeraj Mehrotra, National Teacher Awardee 2005 & Academic Evangelist, Next Education India

“Funding needs to be provided for innovative teacher education, for programmes that target minority teacher recruitment, and for increased collaboration between universities and schools in preparation of teachers so that more participation and encouragement is provided to teachers coming from rural areas. Private sector teachers should also get benefits similar to the government set up. There should be provisions for continuous professional development, trips and excursions as a team building activity.”

Priyanka Singh, ICT Educator, The HDFC School, Gurgaon

“The Government of India should give teachers a professional designation and respect like those given to army personnel because the same way that the army defends the nation, teachers too defend the citizens from illiteracy, poverty, ignorance, unemployment, superstitions, mental and social evils. Their privileges could include subsidised accommodation, annual medical checkups and medical aid, standardised salaries, transport allowance, opportunities for professional development, work from home, financial incentives, better pension and retirement plans.”

Lavita Kacker, Head of Department – Social Sciences, Sacred Heart School, Kalyan.

“The government can do a lot to change this scenario and create an atmosphere of great respect for teachers throughout the nation. This can be done by reiterating through various government campaigns and highlighting achievements of exceptional teachers. Following can be some privileges that can be given to teachers:

Special considerations in all government-related jobs such as making passports, getting medical assistance, legal proceedings etc.
Teachers to get special privileges like subsidised passes in railways, airlines and bus services.
Subsidies on electricity and water bills.”

Shraddha Bhatnagar, Headmistress (Head of Cambridge Section), Seedling World School, Sapetiya, Udaipur

“Our government needs to attach value to teacher training and the profession with the same benefits and royal respect that the Indian Army gets. Like a civilian salutes a man in uniform when they come across him, there should be a bow to a teacher. The Government of India has not formed universities for teachers, regulations and government-accredited qualifications and national awards for teachers, which are prevalent in some countries. The most pertinent sector of early childhood education is the most neglected and sidelined. Let’s start from the roots, right from the very beginning and reap the fruits. Teachers need to be given an identity before discussing about privileges. Teaching is treated as a part time job for women. Doctors, engineers, IAS, IPS officers and defence personnel and other government officials are given the benefits of accommodation, respect and a standing in the society. The same attitude is lacking for teachers. Before special privileges, let’s make the basic amenities like resources, toilets, clean environment and good school buildings for teachers to give them a better workplace.”

Smriti Agarwal, Sr. Headmistress , Podar Jumbo Kids Powai, Mumbai

“The same way that a doctor can add his degree as a prefix to his name, a respectable term should also be given to the teacher. Also, government advertisements promote and encourage citizens to join the defence system of the country. There need to be advertisements to promote teaching as well.”

Sonal Chawla, Head of Department – Mathematics, Sacred Heart School, Kalyan

“The student-teacher ratio must be brought down. A higher ratio makes the job even tougher for teachers. Proper and timely payment of wages is a must. But the fact is that appreciation in form of financial incentive is not a very popular culture across our country. Delayed salaries and delay in implementation of the pay commission is a very common scene. Teachers, particularly in government aided schools, are compelled to do clerical jobs. This must completely stop.”

Yasin Khatri, Sacred Heart School, Kalyan

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Categorised by region, prospective parents and pupils can now access a list of the top 125 schools for 2023 across the UK, Switzerland, Europe, USA, Middle East, China, Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, reviewed and selected by a panel of education consultants, led by Carfax Education.

As well as formal criteria, such as academic results and preparation for university entry, schools are selected for their unique ethos, their reputation both locally and internationally, and how they prepare students for life beyond academia. The guide provides a comprehensive overview of curriculum and fees, as well as practical information such as travel times to local airports.

Top schools listed for 2023 providing exceptional education for students include world-renowned British schools such as Eton College, Wycombe Abbey and Rugby School, as well as those further afield, such as St Paul’s School in Brazil and Geelong Grammar School in Australia. New entries for this year include UK senior school, Radley and UK prep school, Port Regis, as well as The British School in Delhi and The Dalton School, USA. Collated by Carfax Education experts on the ground across the world, the index is the most comprehensive global guide available.

Fiona McKenzie, Head of Education, Carfax Education, said: “Now in its fourth year, the Schools Index has rapidly become a valuable resource for parents looking for the very best education for their child, wherever they are in the world – as well as for the private schools sector. This year’s guide has been comprehensively curated by international experts, with each school notably recognised for their own individual footprint in education, including academics, facilities, preparation for university entry, unique ethos and how they prepare students for life beyond academia. Demand for excellent schools remains high and is still fiercely competitive, as parents strive to ensure their child receives the strongest foundations to set them up for a lifetime of success.”

Jo Duncan, Headmistress of Wycombe Abbey said: “We are delighted to be included in the Carfax Education Schools Index as one of the Top 125 private schools in the world this year and a Top 30 UK Senior School. Wycombe Abbey strives to be a world leader in girls’ boarding education and a place where academic excellence, empathy and integrity thrive. We aim to ensure that our pupils leave our School as confident, articulate, independent young women. It is my privilege to lead Wycombe Abbey and to be recognised in this way by Carfax Education’s Schools Index.”

Lists in this year’s Schools Index include:

Top 30 UK Senior Schools
Top 10 UK Prep Schools
Top 10 Switzerland
Top 15 Rest of Europe
Top 15 China & Southeast Asia
Top 15 USA
Top 15 Middle East
Top 15 Rest of the World

For more information and to view the Schools Index, visit www.schools-index.com

Education

PM Modi addresses academic leaders at G20 University Connect Finale in Delhi

Published

6 days ago

September 27, 2023

Team ScooNews

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the G20 University Connect Finale programme at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi yesterday. The G20 University Connect initiative was undertaken with the aim of building an understanding of India’s G20 Presidency among India’s youth and enhancing their participation in the different G20 events. During the event, the Prime Minister also released four publications, including “The Grand Success of G20 Bharat Presidency: Visionary Leadership” and “India’s G20 Presidency: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

The Prime Minister began his address by recalling the hustle and bustle at the Bharat Mandapam two weeks ago during the G20 Summit and expressed delight that the same venue was witnessing the future of India. He credited the success of such events to the promising youth of India, emphasizing that when the youth associate themselves with such events, they are bound to be a success.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s recent achievements, including the successful Chandrayaan mission, the launch of the solar mission, and India’s diplomatic efforts, such as the BRICS Summit in South Africa and his visit to Greece, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades.

He also mentioned India’s growing international profile, citing Saudi Arabia’s planned investment of 100 billion dollars in India after the G20 summit. The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s progress benefits not only the nation but also provides new opportunities, friends, and markets for the youth.

In addition, he touched on the government’s efforts to empower various communities and the poor and middle class, including the launch of PM Vishwakarma Yojna and Rozgar Melas to provide job opportunities.

Prime Minister Modi spoke about the rapid growth of startups in India, the country’s increasing manufacturing and service sector, and its successful efforts in improving physical, social, and digital infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of the next 25 years for India and the youth and called upon them to think big and make every activity a benchmark.

The Prime Minister concluded by urging the youth to participate in a cleanliness campaign on October 1, promote digital transactions, and support ‘Vocal for Local’ by buying ‘Made in India’ products during festivals. He encouraged campuses to promote Khadi and make it a fashion statement.

The Prime Minister said that unlike the stalwarts of the freedom struggle we did not get an opportunity to die for the country but we have all the opportunity to live for the nation. He said the youth of the decades a century ago had decided on the grand goal of Independence and that nation-wide energy freed the nation from colonial powers.

“Friends, come walk with me, I invite you. 25 years are in front of us, what happened 100 years ago, they moved for Swaraj, we can move for Samriddhi (prosperity). Aatmnirbhar Bharat opens new doors of prosperity and takes self-belief to new heights. That is why I need your support and cooperation for Maa Bharati and for 140 crore Indians.” the Prime Minister exhorted the youth.

Union Minister for Education and Skill Development, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, also attended the event and praised the Prime Minister for advancing the global education agenda under the G20 architecture, which garnered recognition for India’s education and skill ecosystem.

The Prime Minister’s insightful interaction highlighted the speed, scale, and full range of New India and inspired India’s youth to ‘Think and Dream Big.’ His statesmanship during the G20 Presidency brought the world together for prosperity, He congratulated the students’ for spearheading the Jan-bhagidari events and making G20 India a people-driven national movement.

News

ACCA Organizes Virtual Careers Fair, Creating Pathways to 2,200 Finance Job Opportunities

Published

7 days ago

September 26, 2023

Team ScooNews

Mumbai: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) recently concluded its Virtual Careers Fair in India, providing a platform for accounting and finance professionals to connect with leading employers in the country. The event witnessed the participation of 3,121 visitors including students, affiliates and members demonstrating a strong interest and demand for career opportunities in the finance industry.

About 50 employers participated in the fair, including renowned organizations such as DuPont, Goldman Sachs, HPE, Reliance, Cognizant, AccSource, QX Global, Ford, Mazars, Oremus Corp, Q4 Accounting, GT Indus and many more. Notably, this year’s fair also marked the participation of an international employer from Canada for the first time, further expanding the reach of the event globally.

The fair highlighted a diverse range of industries and sectors, with a significant demand for talent in which Accounting and Financial Services offered 1,363 jobs, the Big 4 accounting firms alone offered 500+ jobs and the Indin multinational companies and conglomerates who participated in the fair had 100+ job openings. This year, many Indian accounting firms also actively joined the platform, providing attendees with a wider range of job and internship opportunities.

In terms of employer preferences, while established corporates received a substantial number of applications, there was also a noticeable trend of candidates showing interest in startups. This indicates the growing appeal of entrepreneurial ventures and the desire to explore innovative career paths.

The fair also highlighted the demand for internship opportunities, with several employers offering internships to meet the aspirations of candidates seeking practical experience alongside their academic pursuits.

Speaking about the success of the Virtual Career Fair, Md Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA, said, “ACCA is committed to supporting the career development of our students, affiliates, and members, and to promoting diversity and inclusion in the finance industry. We encourage participants to leverage their connections at the Virtual Careers Fair and explore the various opportunities available to them. ACCA is dedicated to providing valuable career opportunities and fostering connections between finance professionals and employers. We extend our gratitude to all participants, employers, and partners for making the Virtual Careers Fair a success.”

Employers who interacted with students, affiliates, and members in networking chat rooms expressed their appreciation for the overwhelming response and the quality of candidates they encountered. Many employers also acknowledged ACCA’s support in organizing the Virtual Careers Fair.

Education

Tensions Rise Between India and Canada: Implications for Students and Education Sector

Published

1 week ago

September 25, 2023

Isha Juneja, Dhruv Chhabra

As political tensions continue to escalate between India and Canada, the future of their diplomatic and trade relations hangs in the balance. The dispute revolves around allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who claimed that credible evidence links Indian authorities to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. This accusation has strained the bilateral relationship, with New Delhi firmly dismissing the allegations as “absurd” and calling upon Canada to take action against anti-India elements operating within its borders.

One of the largest factors that needs immediate attention is the education sector. As trends show that Canada is one of the most preferred educational destination for Indian students going abroad. Adding to the discord, the Canadian Border Security Agency has issued notices to deport approximately 700 youths who had presented fake offer letters. A substantial number of these individuals hail from Punjab, a state in India, and are drawn to Canada due to its liberal immigration policies and relatively straightforward path to citizenship. For those who immigrate to Canada, the opportunity to apply for citizenship becomes available after five years of continuous residency, with a minimum of three years spent within the country.

Many of the Punjabi youths seeking a brighter future in Canada are students who opt to pursue higher education in the country. Canada’s appeal lies not only in its academic institutions but also in the option for students to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week while pursuing their studies. This attractive proposition has led to a significant increase in the number of Indian students heading to Canada.

Notably, Canada has become a preferred destination for Indian students, particularly those from Punjab. According to Amar Ujala, a Canadian Member of Parliament Ramesh Sangha reveals that Punjabis constitute 2.6 percent of the Canadian population, with a significant Sikh and Punjabi community of around 9.50 lakh residents, out of which 7.70 lakh are Punjabis.

According to Reuters, since 2018, India has been the largest source country for international students in Canada. In 2022, their number rose 47% to nearly 320,000, accounting for about 40% of total overseas students, the Canadian Bureau of International Education says, which also helps universities and colleges provide a subsidised education to domestic students. Canada has issued nearly a million study permits to Indian students since 2015, making it a crucial source of income for Canadian educational institutions.

Shivir Setia, an Indian student who has applied for a project management course in Canada said to ScooNews, “Mentioning my experience regarding whatever happened between India and Canada in the last few days. First, I was very surprised to see that this issue escalated so much to the extent that India is restricting Canadians to coming to India. I was also scared of what would happen if my student Visa got rejected, as the process is very time consuming and a lot of money is involved. I spoke to my friends and other people who stated that nothing is going to happen, this will fade out. I am still a little curious about how things turn out as I am just hoping to go and start with my studies. I am applying for the Visa tomorrow and I hope for the best. My Counsellor was always positive and assured me that things are going to work out.”

Rohinton Medhora, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, underscores the importance of how each country’s government handles the public relations and strategic aspects of this dispute. He notes that while India and Canada may not be each other’s primary trade partners, concessions made during this crisis could have repercussions. The trade relationship between the two nations has not been robust compared to other global partners. In 2021, India constituted only 0.62 percent of Canada’s exports, while Canada represented 1.02 percent of India’s exports. Both countries are wary of making concessions that could compromise their standing with more significant trade partners. (Source- BNN Bloomberg)

Despite the growing political tensions, there is no immediate indication that Indian students will cease their migration to Canada. However, if the crisis deepens, the Indian government may consider directing students, particularly those on government scholarships, to explore alternative destinations for their education, impacting Canada’s education sector significantly. Mr. Ameya S. Bal, Assistant Professor, SKSC, Somaiya Vidyavihar University had this to say on the matter, “I do not think that it is going to affect students in a major capacity. As students are the fraternity which is mostly excluded from the politics here. It may indirectly affect them if policy changes are to take place like that by the Indian government to suspend the visas or by the Canadian government in future due to the tainted international relations. Obviously, the one major consequence is that students will think before going to Canada as the ambiguity of the PR and the treatment of the students can be an issue. Many agencies are promoting permanent residency in Canada, they will be affected by it due to the circumstances as many students may opt out of getting PR and may only choose to go for the duration of their respective educational course or professional project and then come back to India.”

Anand Krishnaswamy, an Educational Consultant and Coach, considers the investigation to play a big part in the future. He said, “No one can assess as of now the exact course of action that will be taken by both the nations. It is difficult to say that this might impact students in a negative manner. The existing students in Canada might face issues with their work visas. The Indian government has been excessive in taking major steps against Canada and have denied the allegations imposed by the Canadian government. While Canada has maintained a more careful stance on the issue. US has also stood up and claimed that if the allegations are to be true, other nations might have to step in and ask questions from the Indian government. I think all that can be done for now is let the investigation take its due course and then understand where do both the nations stand in this matter. However, what may happen is that the students will start showing keen interest in other educational destinations like Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and EU which are also good educational hubs. US has already increased the number of visas for Indian students since the week gone by. So that is a clear consequence.”

In the midst of this turmoil, Shantanu Singh, Director of EduCandor Pvt. Ltd., a study abroad counselling agency, emphasizes that the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in Canada remain unaffected. He advises prospective students to exercise patience amid visa service suspensions and expects a resolution in the near future. Singh urges that international students should not bear the brunt of political disputes, as their contributions are vital to the economies of host countries, including Canada. He said,” I engaged in discussions with a multitude of students, visa officers, and counsellors on this issue. Now, concerning students who are already residing in Canada, their prevailing sentiment is that the recent developments appear to be more of a political and a theatrical display, likely influenced by the approaching elections. Contrary to the sensationalism propagated by the Indian and Canadian media, Indian nationals in Canada can rest assured that their safety and well-being remain unaffected.

Now, shifting focus to students intending to apply for Canadian visas, I also conversed with visa officers. They acknowledged the Indian context, where visa services have been temporarily suspended. However, the stance and intentions of the Canadian government remain uncertain. Consequently, our recommendation to students, in light of these circumstances, is to refrain from submitting visa applications at this juncture. Nevertheless, we hold the belief that this situation is likely to stabilize within the next 10 to 15 days. Failing that, we anticipate a resolution in the near future, as the future prospects of numerous individuals and students are hanging in the balance.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding India-Canada relations, it is hoped that diplomacy and dialogue will prevail, allowing both nations to navigate these turbulent waters and maintain their historically strong ties.

Education

PM Modi to Engage with Academia in ‘G20 University Connect’ Event

Published

1 week ago

September 25, 2023

Team ScooNews

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is all set to host the ‘G20 University Connect’ event on Tuesday, September 26, providing an opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with the academic community. Professor Manish R Joshi, Secretary of UGC, unveiled this significant initiative. The event is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam and will bring together Vice-Chancellors, principals, faculty members, and students from universities and colleges across the nation.

During this event, PM Modi will engage in discussions and dialogues with academic leaders, emphasising the pivotal role of higher education in India’s growth and development. In a LinkedIn post, PM Modi had earlier invited students to the G20 University Connect event, highlighting the success of the G-20 University Connect programme over the past year in bringing together India’s youth. He noted that this initiative showcased how Indian youth have established enduring connections with the G-20 fraternity.

PM Modi mentioned a particularly noteworthy event, the “Model G20 Meeting,” where students from 12 different nations, including 10 G20 countries, discussed the theme “Youth for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).” He expressed eagerness to hear and gain insights from the experiences of Indian youth during the special G-20 University Connect programme, encouraging all youngsters to participate in this unique endeavour.

This event holds immense significance as it provides a platform for academic institutions to directly engage with the country’s top leadership. It offers stakeholders in the education sector an opportunity to share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations with the Prime Minister, fostering collaboration and innovation in higher education. PM Modi underscored the event’s importance in nurturing excellence in higher education, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting it.

“The G-20 University Connect initiative has witnessed numerous programmes held across India, with extensive participation from higher education institutions,” noted the Prime Minister on LinkedIn. He added that the ‘G20 University Connect’ event is poised to be a landmark occasion for the Indian education system, reinforcing the government’s dedication to advancing excellence in higher education and research.

In this programme, Prime Minister Modi will discuss the recently concluded G20 Summit and deliberate on future challenges with students and the new generation. The direct interaction between the PM and academic leaders is expected to catalyse initiatives that will further enhance India’s global standing in the field of education.

Source- ANI