For sale — Marks at Nagpur Varsity

NAGPUR, MARCH 29: The engineering faculty of the Nagpur University (NU) finds itself involved in another controversy -- with a `marks sale...

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NAGPUR, MARCH 29: The engineering faculty of the Nagpur University (NU) finds itself involved in another controversy — with a `marks sale racket’ allegedly in operation at the Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering (YCCE), run by Nagar Yuvak Shikshan Sanstha (NYSS).

The University office and the police commissionerate are already in receipt of a written complaint in this regard, made by two residents of Ludhiana, presumably former students of YCCE. Copies of these complaints were also sent to local newspapers.

It has been alleged in the complaints that some final year BE (Production Engineering) students of 1998-99 batch belonging to YCCE `purchased’ internal marks in various subjects. Copies of the statements showing the `original’ internal marks and the increased marks which appeared on their mark-sheet have also been furnished along with the complaint. The complaint has been signed by Harkaldeep Singh Toor and Nitin Agrawal.

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It alleges the racket is being operated by some `highly connected and highly influential teachers under the very nose of the principal of the college’. The internal marks were allegedly sold after the students paid hefty sums to these teachers, the letter mentions.

Names of 17 students have been listed in the complaint and incidentally, all 17 have received equal internal marks in theory and practical papers of all subjects. A comparison with the statement of `original marks’ received by these students shows that most of them received very low marks in these subjects.

The complaint mentions that the matter was brought to the notice of Datta Meghe, chairman of NYSS and Dr R N Ingle, principal of the college. However, there was no action. The complainants have said that they have verified the hike in the marks from NU records.

Dr Arun Satputaley, Vice-Chancellor and Sanjay Kumar, DCP, told The Indian Express that they have received the complaint. While Kumar said the complaint has been forwarded to NU office for further action, Dr Satputaley said that an explanation has been sought from the principal of YCCE in this matter. The V-C however said that in spite of a letter, a reminder and a telephone call, the YCCE principal has failed to come up with an explanation. He said that further action in this matter will be initiated soon.