MU notice to engg college for violating norms

Dr Vijay Joshi,principal of K J Somaiya College and convenor of the fact-finding committee,said,“During our visits to the college and our meetings with stakeholders,including the principal,we found that the college administration had been misleading the committee by giving false information. The college administration does not provide even the basic and mandatory facilities to students. We have recommended strict action against the college.”

The college has been embroiled in controversies for the past two-three years. These include discrimination and malpractices in appointing staff and running classes from two unauthorised floors. Its management allegedly flouted norms laid down by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) and the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE). The management also allegedly submitted false documents to Shikshan Shulka Samiti (fee fixation committee) to increase students’ fees.

The matter came to light after a students’ organisation filed a complaint against the college to the DTE. The institute was allotted a plot measuring 12,886 sq m at Sion-Chunabhatti in 1985 and allowed to construct up to four floors. However,it constructed two more without permission. The BMC issued a notice to the Pratishthan on July 19,2007. The government approved it in August 2009 but asked the institution to pay a premium of Rs 18 crore.

Committee Findings

* College running classes from two unauthorised floors (fifth and sixth)

* The management runs two colleges owned by two trusts in same building in contravention of AICTE rules

* False information was given to the fee fixation committee

* Incorrect statements and details mentioned in the college’s prospectus

* The room reserved for gymkhana is used for some other purpose. Although fees towards gymkhana was charged,students do not have the facility

* College authorities are enforcing unreasonably excessive discipline thereby hampering the grooming and development of students

* Classes of second year IT (90 students) and final year IT (120 students) were often merged,a serious violation of AICTE and Mumbai University norms

* Principal Dr KTV Reddy tweaked revaluation rules. He compelled students to first apply for the photocopy of the answer booklets and after obtaining the same,seek his permission for revaluation,which is not a varsity rule.

* Students were compelled to become a member of two professional bodies of engineers by paying Rs 1,500. The amount was included in the fee

dipti.sonawala@expressindia.com