As a teacher, I have always believed that the purpose of rules is to ensure justice. If the rules do not ensure equal opportunity, transparency and accountability, then the rules remain only on paper.
An experience in recent years has made me rethink this topic.
I am working as a permanent teacher in Puthimari College, Kamrup District from May 2023, Guwahati University (Guwahati) has issued new examination norms based on National Education Policy. The rules clearly state that the post of Assistant Officer-in-Charge should not be concentrated in the hands of one person for a long period of time, only permanent teachers should be given responsibility and all qualified teachers should be given opportunities for experience and training.
After the publication of these rules, I thought that the objectives of the university – decentralization of scope, giving administrative experience to more teachers and equitable participation – would be reflected in reality.
Therefore, I thought, the implementation of these rules will at least give me a chance, deprived of this experience for so many years without reason. But my experience has changed over time.
I am a tenured teacher, employed for over a decade. I have been appointed as Supervisory Officer in several colleges by Guwahati University during the examination period. However, in my case, I did not get the opportunity to perform the duties as Assistant Officer-in-Charge. I don’t see it as just a question of gaining rank. Such responsibilities provide teachers with administrative experience, institutional knowledge, and opportunities for professional development.
Another question that is important to me is whether the rules made by the university are actually being implemented. I have followed various avenues to find the answer to this question.
In May 2024, I wrote an e-mail to the Controller of Examinations of Guwahati University. I didn’t get any answer. I sent the memorandum again in November and still got no reply.
In July 2024, I raised the matter as a representative member of the Board of Directors of Puthimari College. The matter came up for discussion but no clear answer was given to my question. I also sought help from the teaching team. There too no effective solution to the problem was found.
Finally, in November 2024, I raised the matter with CPGRAMS. The complaint has been sent to Guwahati University through the Directorate of Higher Education, Assam. I was hoping to at least have a clear explanation on this by now. I personally met the registrar in the office and informed him that this is not just my personal matter.
But the reply that came on May 20 was just one sentence: “This matter is not related to Gauhati University.”
This answer did not answer my original question. Instead, it raised more questions. If Guwahati University formulates rules, who is responsible for implementing those rules?
If there is a question about the misuse of that rule in a college, where will it be raised? If the university itself says that the matter is not related to the university, then who will ensure that the rules of the university are being followed?
I have again written to the Guwahati University authorities seeking an answer to this question. This time my demand is not for any position, opportunity or privilege. I just want to know one thing – who is responsible for implementing the rules issued by the university?
My bitter and long experience has made me realize a great truth. I am not alone in this problem.
There are many teachers in various colleges of Assam who have worked faithfully for years, but have been deprived of various administrative opportunities, experiences and responsibilities. Many of them may never complain. Many may remain silent. Many may think that there will be no benefit. And very few are fighting alone for their status, rights and promotion.
I am also writing for them. Because the matter is not the person; The problem is the system. The issue is whether the rules apply equally to all eligible persons.
The issue is whether a teacher has a right to an interpretation of the rules if he so desires. How accountable are the organization’s top management to their declared policies and rules?
We talk about excellence in higher education. But the foundation of excellence is justice. Justice is based on equal opportunity. And the foundation of equal opportunity is fair, transparent and consistent application of the rules. If there are rules, they must be enforced. And if the rules are not obeyed, then at least someone should tell who is responsible for that? I want to know that. And I am now waiting for that answer.