King George's Medical University to pick worst teacher'

Lucknow: For the first time in its history, the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow will select its “worst teacher” based on student feedback and peer review.

The announcement is to be made on KGMU Foundation Day on Saturday.

The KGMU Teacher’s Association has strongly condemned the decision and threatened the administration with legal consequences. The association has already sent a written representation to the administration in this regard.

Dr Santosh Kumar, the general secretary of the association, told reporters on Friday that nowhere in the world is such a selection done.

Prof Kauser Usman, who was adjudged best teacher for two consecutive years on Teacher’s day, said, “This would be a career blot on any individual’s profile, coming from an institution as world renowned as KGMU. How will one rectify it?”

KGMU vice-chancellor Prof Ravi Kant, however, defended the move, calling it a necessary step for faculty to be fearful and put in extra hard work.

“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 vice chancellor.

The V-C added that the selection of the name will be done by deans. “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”, he added.

The faculty members were recently apprised of the new addition when a mail was passed around internally to the staff members. Until now, KGMU  has been awarding its best teacher on Teacher’s Day and the foundation day saw meritorious students being honoured with medals.