King Georges Medical University to declare Worst Teacher Title

Lucknow: The King George’s Medical University( KGMU) has made a record of sorts in their history of contribution to medical education by deciding to announce a faculty member as the ‘worst teacher’ on their '112^th Foundation Day' on December 24, 2016 .The name will be decided based on ‘student feedback’ and ‘peer review’.

The faculty members have been told about the decision taken, through a mail circulated internally among members of staff. Till now the medical institution only awarded its best teachers on 'Teacher’s Day' and honoured its meritorious students with gold medals on the 'Foundation Day'.

It has made certain sections of staff resentful of the new move and a written representation has been sent to the administration on Thursday, expressing their distaste. However, the Vice Chancellor, Mr. Ravi Kant has defended the decision, by describing it as an essential step to have the faculty sit up and put in hard work, and also be fearful of consequences, if lax in performance.

"The idea was drawn in from the increment pattern of the Seventh Pay Commission where only outstanding work gets an increment. All teachers who have replied to the email, their answer has been counted. It has unanimously come to one particular name. Peer review has been the main criteria and the name so decided," said the VC.

However, the KGMU Teacher's Association has condemned the decision and challenged the administration of legal consequences. "Nowhere in the world is such a step taken. This decision is against the gravity of the VC's post," said Dr Santosh Kumar, the General Secretary of the Association.

Having been chosen the best teacher twice in a row on Teacher's Day at KGMU, Prof Kauser Usman said, "This will be a huge career blot on any individual's profile coming from an institution as world renowned as KGMU. How will one rectify it?"

The VC however, said that the selection of the name will be taken by Deans of KGMU. "There will sure be resentment and there is already fear in the faculty. KGMU will tell its staff that if you are not working well, you are not worth it."