Editor
Assam Government Proposes Sanskrit as Compulsory Criterion for BAMS Admissions in New Ayurvedic Education Initiatives
Guwahati, Assam: In a significant move aimed at enhancing the education and practice of Ayurveda, the [State Name] government is set to propose the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and the National Council for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) to introduce Sanskrit as a compulsory criterion for admission into the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) course.
The proposed initiative seeks to integrate Sanskrit into the core curriculum of BAMS, aligning with the ancient roots of Ayurveda and emphasizing the importance of understanding the language for a comprehensive grasp of traditional Indian medical practices. The State government's proposal includes the following key points:
As a prerequisite, candidates aspiring to pursue the BAMS course must have successfully completed the 10th standard with Sanskrit as a subject.
Prospective students are required to clear the Sanskrit test, based on the 10th standard curriculum, as part of the entrance examination conducted by the respective University/Board/Registered Society/Association.
The State government plans to implement this requirement for an initial period of 5 years. During this time, preference will be given to candidates who have fulfilled the Sanskrit prerequisite, provided they meet the other admission criteria set forth by the NCISM.
In a parallel effort to elevate the standards of Ayurvedic education, the State is also set to establish the 'Assam Ayurvedic Education Service Rules, 2023'. These rules will be instrumental in ensuring uniformity in the enforcement of service policies for teaching staff and Medical Officers across Government Ayurvedic Colleges and Hospitals within the state.
The forthcoming rules are designed with a dual purpose:
To introduce greater transparency and systematic processes within the Ayurvedic education sector, fostering an environment conducive to high-quality teaching and medical services.
To incorporate a clause pertaining to retirement, providing a comprehensive framework for the service tenure of teaching staff and Medical Officers while addressing their eventual retirement from their roles.
This strategic move by the Assam government underscores its commitment to revitalizing the practice of Ayurveda by imbuing it with the essence of Sanskrit, the language that has been an integral part of India's cultural and medical heritage for centuries. The convergence of traditional wisdom and modern educational practices is poised to chart a new trajectory for Ayurvedic education and healthcare in the state.