Redundant curriculum a factor in raising unemployment rate

January 23, 2022 100 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | January 23

Principal, Kohima Science College (Autonomous) Jotsoma, Dr Lily Sema today pointed out that in today’s competitive landscape there are survival skills that young people need to master so that a measure of success can be assured.

She was speaking at the 72nd Southern Angami Students Union (SASU) Literary cum Cultural Day on January 22 at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama under the theme ‘Triggering Competitions, Exploring Possibilities.’

Calling for a relook at the number of unemployment among the youth today, she pointed out that the percentage of graduates for 2020-21 in Nagaland stood at 98% and the total number of job applicants on the live register of employment Exchange as on December 31, 2020 is 85,397 as per the Nagaland Statistical Handbook 2021.

Lamenting that almost everyone had excellent grades but are unemployable, Dr Lily opined that it was important that what is being taught, is relevant to society and the world today.

The speaker underscored that one reason to blame was the redundant curriculum which is still being followed.

Towards this, she envisaged that the National Education Policy which was approved by the Union Cabinet on July 29, 2020 after a long wait of 34 years and one that was the first education policy in the 21st Century would address developmental imperatives of the country in line with the Sustainable Developmental Goals 2030.

While stating that the present Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of the state (2018-19) was 18.7%, and the same for the country stood at 26.30%, the speaker added that the pre-requisite GER for a rapid development of a country is 30%. On that note, Dr Lily stated that the NEP 2020 targets 50% GER by 2035 and that the state expenditure on education was to be increased from 3% GDP to 6% GDP which shows the seriousness about its implementation.

Along with all the right curricular, she hoped that it will help develop critical thinking, ability to access and analyse innovation among others.

Earlier, SASU President Zhovito Rikha delivered the presidential address and Letso Mekro, Vice President chaired the programme. Meritorious awards were also given to 18 successful students.

During the traditional fire making competition, Kekhuvi Thao from Jakhama Village emerged in first position, and Tepechosa Kiso, Kidima Village and Vineito Zütso, Kigwema came in second and third. In food preparation competition Phesama Students Union, Mima Students Union and Kigwema Students Union were adjudged as winners.

The day also saw other competitions in folk song (quartet), extempore, solo; and Mr & Miss SASU 2022.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/redundant-curriculum-a-factor-in-raising-unemployment-rate