Chandigarh: A move by Panjab University (PU) authorities here to introduce a system for students to evaluate teachers and also extend the facility of online checking of attendance has run into stiff opposition from the university teachers.

The Panjab University Teachers' Association (PUTA) on Monday rejected outright the concept of evaluation of teachers by students, as has been proposed by the university authorities and also the students' council.

"Teachers' evaluation is a noble concept. However, it is not an authentic way of evaluating the merits and capabilities of any teacher. Its parameters and intentions are not very clear and as such, it needs to be debated upon. Hence, PUTA is not in favour of this move," a resolution of PUTA executive committee after its meeting here said.

"On the issue of teachers' evaluation by students, members wanted a rigorous debate before it is pushed through," PUTA secretary Akshaya Kumar said.

"The members felt that existing mechanism for the redressal of students' grievances with regard to pedagogic practices of a teacher are adequate enough and there is no need to complicate the matter," he added.

On the issue of online attendance checking, the PUTA resolution said, "Online attendance must not be made mandatory. However, departments which opt for it may be allowed to do so."

Akshaya Kumar said the teaching faculty felt that the online attendance move would unnecessarily burden teachers with maintaining the record of attendance, both online and in the regular format of roll call in the register.

"It was felt that the existing mechanism to maintain the record of students' attendance is adequate and sound. The shortage of attendance is periodically displayed on the notice boards, and students, even otherwise, can cross-check about the status of their attendance-record from the teacher concerned," he added.

PUTA has warned the university authorities that teachers would strongly resist any move if it is done in haste and without necessary debate involving all concerned. IANS