Geography, history not on matric priority

- Assam education minister accords more importance to science and mathematics

A STAFF REPORTER

Himanta Biswa Sarma in Dibrugarh on Sunday. Picture by UB Photos

Guwahati, Dec. 18: Assam education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today turned down the demand for making history and geography compulsory subjects in matric examinations, arguing that anyone who loved his land would be drawn to the subjects out of curiosity.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (Seba), Sarma said making such subjects compulsory would be an additional burden on students. He said it would be better if history and geography were kept elective subjects.

"It is harsh reality that students from Assam have not been able to excel in various competitive examinations on a par with their counterparts from other states because of various factors, including non-inclusion of modern subjects in the school and college syllabi. I think top priority should be given to effective teaching and learning of science and mathematics to enable the state's students to compete at the national and international levels. Our history, cultures, traditions, ethos and geographical features are not so weak that they have to be included as compulsory textbooks for future generations."

Sarma said anyone who loves Assam could find out various ways to find out about the history and geography of the state and it does not necessarily have to be through school or college textbooks. He said emotion and sentiments should not be a factor in determining education policy at a time when students are faced with tough competitions, nationally and internationally.

Various organisations like AASU, Asam Sahitya Sabha and academicians are demanding to make history and geography compulsory subjects at the school level.

The minister said the government has asked Seba to publish the list of 50 best performing schools on the day of the matric results from next year.

"It has been seen that many schools draw extreme media and public attention by producing one or two toppers in the matric merit list. There were schools from where 90 per cent of the students were unsuccessful students but had a topper. On other hand, there were schools which did not have any toppers but had 100 per cent pass percentage and these schools will get their dues from next year," Sarma said.

The government has also sanctioned Rs 1 crore to launch a website where any student who passed from Seba during the past 50 years could see their matric results.

Inaugurating the Seba golden jubilee ceremony, chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the education policy must incorporate elements, which can deal with future academic challenges.