Racket thrives on MSU panel’s delay

VADODARA, Jan 10: Reports of fake identity cards, manipulations in the marksheets and fake caste certificates in the M S University are d...

VADODARA, Jan 10: Reports of fake identity cards, manipulations in the marksheets and fake caste certificates in the M S University are depressing for an acclaimed university, however, what is more disturbing is the delay in addressing the same by the authorities concerned.

Even after six months since the irregularities were first reported, nothing has been done in the context. The eight students, who secured admissions on the basis of fake caste certificates at the Padra College of Commerce and Arts, continue to attend classes; as the two-member inquiry committee instituted by varsity authorities about two months ago has still to submit it’s report.

Similarly, the authorities have also to get to the bottom of a racket in fake identity cards. “The delay in timely action not only brings a bad name to the university but also affects the academic career of those students who could avail facilities on genuine ICs, besides enabling eight eligible students to secure admission,” points out one of the Syndicate members.

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The two-member committee — comprising former pro vice-chancellors of the university, K C Mehta and S K Shah — was appointed by university Vice-Chancellor Anil Kane in November. Though Kane is confident that the report would come well in advance to take precautionary measures before admission procedure begins next year, senior syndicate members think otherwise.

Says a senior Syndicate member, asking anonymity, “Though only eight fake certificates were submitted, the inquiry committee has been given all the forms accepted this year, which is why the whole process is taking so long”.

Stating that more than 3,000 forms were accepted this year at the Padra College of Commerce, he said scrutinising 3,000 forms and submitting a report within two months was not an easy task. He said even after the committee submits a report, it would not serve much purpose as precious seats had already been lost.

Talking to Express Newsline, Nilesh Shukla pointed out that the committee had not been given any specific time limit. He cited instances of committees who had submitted reports within a month as they were given a time frame.

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Seconding his opinion, another Syndicate member said, “If the committee had submitted its report within a month then the university could have debarred the admissions of these students and granted fresh admissions to more deserving students”.

General Secretary of the students’ union Prakash Verma agreed. “Such activities not only damage the university’s reputation and credibility but even affects deserving students, who lose out on the admissions”.