03 August,2011 07:25 AM IST | | Alifiya Khan
After inspection committee finds lack of full-time principals and teachers in colleges, university sends out last warning to errant educational institutions
Close on the heels of the decision by the Nagpur-based Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) to temporary stall the affiliation of 75 colleges attached to it owing to discrepancies in infrastructure and lack of adequate teachers, the University of Pune (UoP) has also sent similar letters to errant colleges.
Ensuring transparency: UoP officials may make the process of
inspections in colleges more transparent by going online with the
inspection reports. File pic
In a letter sent to more than 200 affiliated colleges that are functioning without full-time principals or teachers, the UoP has asked for details about the staff shortage. UoP officials said that the colleges have also been asked to give the reason for the shortage as well as a report on the efforts taken to fill the vacant posts.
"The issue of vacant posts of principals has been going on in university for a long time. The Senate had decided that the colleges without full-time principals should not be allowed to admit first-year students. This matter even went to court, but the colleges got some time. Now the local inspection committee (LIC) appointed by UoP has given its report and pointed out 200 colleges that haven't yet filled these posts," said a senior official.
UoP officials said the colleges are expected to reply with details on how many advertisements were issued, how many qualified candidates responded or were interviewed, reasons for not appointing, and if colleges had written to the UoP asking for help in filling these vacant posts in the past.
"If the university isn't convinced that sincere efforts were made and if colleges don't show interest, then strict action will be taken against the errant institutions," said an official. Vasudev Gade, director of the Board of College and University Development (BCUD) confirmed the development. "The letter has been sent on the basis of discrepancies noticed by the LIC. Though there is no particular date by when colleges have been asked to respond, explanations are expected within the next few days," he said.
UoP officials are also contemplating making the process of inspections in colleges more transparent by going online with the inspection reports of the LIC and action taken. "It might soon be seen on the university website. So, no party can allege irregularities in LIC inspections," said a university source.
