Public Representatives worried about the ‘dismal’ condition at Cachar College

November 13: Cachar College along with the other colleges of Silchar got the 1st cycle of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation in 2004. However, since then its counterparts at Silchar has gone for the 2nd cycle of accreditation, Cachar College is still in deep slumber. G.C. College, Women’s College and Radhamadhab College are now preparing for the 3rd cycle of re-accreditation. This aspect was highly criticised by Silchar MP Dr. Rajdeep Roy, Deputy Speaker Aminul Haque Laskar and former union minister Kabindra Purkayastha.

Under the aegis of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Cachar College, an interaction programme entitled “Meet the People’s Representatives” was organised on Tuesday. In the said programme, MP Dr. Rajdeep Roy, Deputy Speaker Aminul Haque Laskar and former union minister Kabindra Purkayastha were felicitated. The programme was presided over by by Dr. S.B. Paul, President of the College Governing Body.

In his speech, former union minister and BJP leader Kabindra Purkayastha spoke about the name and fame Cachar College had once upon a time. He appealed to the college fraternity to discuss with the public representatives the problems faced by the college so that they can address these issues. The former minister also appealed to keep pace with the changing time and to adopt measures to enhance the level of teaching-learning process.

Himself an alumnus of Cachar College, Silchar, Aminul Haque Laskar, Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly expressed dissatisfaction on the role of the previous IQAC Coordinators. He raised a number of issues such as, “Why did the previous IQAC Coordinators did not apply for NAAC accreditation? Why were the Annual Quality Assurance Reprts (AQAR) not submitted for so long? What is the reason for the deplorable condition of the college? He further said that during his student life there was coordination among the students, teachers, staff, Principal and the Governing Body, which is lacking now. In a tone of utter regret he said, “When MCD College, Sonai located so far away from Silchar town could go for the 2nd cycle of accreditation, the 59 years old Cachar College failed to do so.” He categorically stated that in the absence NAAC accreditation, all sorts of grants will be halted in the coming days and so the college should strive hard to go for the 2nd cycle of accreditation at the earliest.

Speaking during the occasion, MP Dr. Rajdeep Roy too crticised the college for not being able to go for re-accreditation by NAAC. He said, “It is difficult to think that a college who celebrated its golden jubilee 9 years ago has failed to go for NAAC re-accreditation since the last 15 years.There is, I believe, serious lack of initiative in this college.” He also pointed out the lack of proper documentation of various activities of the college, which is a serious hurdle. He also held the erstwhile college administration responsible for this present dismal situation.

The welcome address on this occasion was delivered by Dr. Siddhartha Ranjan Nath, Principal of the college. IQAC Coordinator Apurba Chakraborty also spoke on the as[ects of NAAC accreditation. Dr. Paromita Das delivered the vote of thanks. However, local MLA Dilip Kumar Paul, who is also a member of the Governing Body of the college did not turn up in the meeting.