PU discusses proposals to give greater autonomy to colleges

It was decided that the affiliated colleges could be given the charge to undertake research at their campuses. Vice-Chancellor Prof R C Sobti said that he had received requests from several colleges pertaining to the proposal made by them,on the basis of which inspection committees would be sent to colleges. On the recommendations of these committees,permission would be granted to colleges.

Another proposal floated by the V-C in the Senate meeting was that the colleges should start their own evaluation. “In order to remove some burden from the university,colleges can start their own evaluation process that is conducting examinations from the graduation level. The university would provide financial assistance to colleges,” said the V-C.

Talking about the anomalies in affiliated colleges,Prof S K Sharma,revealed that ‘academic fraud’ is being carried out by the colleges in collaboration with the inspection committees. “The discrepancies including infrastructure and faculty are ignored by the committees approving the affiliations. This needs to be stopped immediately,” said Prof Sharma.

Adding to this,the V-C said that he had gone through the files of 65 colleges lacking compliance in the last one month. Of these,all are falling short on one parameter or the other.

The Senate members also pointed out non-uniformity in the penalties imposed by the university on affiliated colleges.

Discussion on add-on courses was also a part of the Senate meeting. A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Prof V K Tiwari to look into the issue. The committee would decide on the extent of responsibility of the colleges regarding the add-on courses. There were allegations that the affiliated colleges were not following uniformity pertaining to these colleges on fee structure,faculty,examinations,etc. Thus the Panjab University would make certain provisions to check this practice.

M L Aeri,Director D AV College Managing Committee while requesting the V-C and other Senate members representing the affiliated colleges to fill the vacant posts said that more than 1,400 posts are lying vacant in all the aided colleges which receive 95 per cent grant-in-aid from the state government.

The V-C revealed that Prof Sadanand and Prof V K Sibal committee report on the appointments of key positions including DCDC (Dean College Development Council),Registrar,Controller and DPR (Director Public Relations) have been submitted. Based on this,these posts would be advertised in a day or two. Also,as the committee could not find any written allegations or charges on some of the posts as opposed by the college principals,no decision pertaining to the appointments. Prof A C Vaid,Principal GGDSD College blamed the university authorities that despite assurances on no circular or notice issued from the office of ADCDC (Associate Dean College Development Council) ,the college has received two notices from his office.