Assam Education Minister Faces Strong Criticism Over Offensive Statements Against Teachers

Ranoj Pegu, the Education Minister of Assam, has faced criticism for his derogatory remarks towards teachers during a recent speech. Speaking at the annual session of the Assam College Principals' Council, held at Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pegu singled out a group of teachers, calling them "empty-headed" and comparing them to instances of water pipe ruptures in Guwahati.

Addressing the gathering of 49 school principals, Pegu stated, "There are several teachers who do not want to take classes and are negligent in their responsibilities. Do you know why they struggle to attend classes? Because their minds are blank. So, what are they going to teach? They have ceased learning and have forgotten what they have learned since accepting a government job. However, there are a few who, after acquiring knowledge, are eager to share it with others."

The minister went on to compare knowledge to a flowing river that cannot be halted, and he claimed that overworked and fatigued minds do not produce any valuable output.

Pegu's remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many people expressing their disapproval on social media platforms. The derogatory nature of his comments and the public humiliation of teachers were seen as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Earlier, the Education Minister had stressed the crucial role college lecturers would play in the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. He also emphasized the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in every higher educational institution by 2040. While Pegu has made significant recommendations and comments regarding education, his recent remarks have overshadowed his previous statements.

It is worth noting that this incident follows Pegu's expressed concern about the lack of coordination among educators on the Siksha Setu App a few days earlier. He emphasized the importance of teachers fulfilling their duties and raised concerns about receiving salaries without meeting the required standards.

The controversy surrounding the Education Minister's remarks highlights the need for respectful communication and support for teachers, who play a crucial role in shaping the future of students and society. Such derogatory comments undermine their efforts and erode the trust and respect that should be afforded to them.