V-C Dr Kane assertive about upgradation of RTMNU
| Date :30-Apr-2019 |
By Ajay Mardikar:
With important research being carried out in some of the departments of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), it cannot be compared with smaller universities, which have much lesser departments and colleges under it. While undergoing assessment through National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) the research, staff and other physical infrastructure earn or lose points. The teaching and non-teaching employees in this university has reduced during the last few decades. At the same time number of students appearing for examinations has increased. With introduction of semester system, the number of examinations has gone more than two-folds. These factors pose problems in improving ranking of the university, stated Vice-Chancellor of RTM Nagpur University Dr Siddharthvinayak P Kane. In a discussion with this scribe Dr Kane said that emotional parameters should also be considered while carrying out assessment by any agency.
This is based on attachment of past students with their department or college or the university. Referring to the research undertaken by the University, Dr Kane quoted Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics and Geology as important departments, where a large number of students have undertaken research. The research work in Physics and Geology Departments has been recognised at international level. Despite division of the University twice, it has about 500 colleges affiliated to it. Gadgebaba Amravati University and Gondwana University, Gadchiroli University were carved out from this university. At the same time a large number of colleges were opened to add to the number of students. The University conducts examinations for about four and a half lakh students. This includes more than 80,000 failures of earlier examinations.
With about one year left of his tenure as Vice-Chancellor Dr Kane said that improving ranking of the University is a difficult task. The number published in some newspapers is not correct. After ranking first 100, the other numbers are listed alphabetically. Moreover, the name of the University has been written as ‘The’ Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University. Thus the number has gone down from those beginning with R to the one starting from T. This could be a smaller factor, as it is not inside 100 top universities in the country. Dr Kane had stated that he would make efforts to bring the University in the top 50. He, however, quoted reasons and difficulties in upgradation of the University. Many issues are beyond his control.
A large number of affiliated colleges have been taking undue advantage of soft stand taken by the university authorities for benefit of the students. He informed that many colleges submit examination forms one or two days before beginning of the examinations. The students had to be accommodated and allowed to write examinations. The problems at examination centres, issuing hall tickets, supplying question papers etc, in such situations, make functioning difficult. Naturally the students and their associations raise voice against it. Helping the colleges and some departments become autonomous is necessary for improving status of the region.
Efforts are already being made to get Deemed University status for Laxminarayan Institute of Technology. Dr Kane stated that recruitment against 17 teaching posts is in progress. It is unfortunate that against the demand of 30 posts, only 17 could be filled in. In fact the institute needs more than the sanctioned posts of 62 teachers. The prestigious institute can easily achieve and regain its status as one of the prestigious institute in the country. Similar efforts can be taken for Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and make it autonomous. Dr Kane opened his mind and spoke about problems the university authorities face while controlling the huge spread of the University in four districts of the region.
At the same time he was very apreciative about activities undertaken by some university departments. He, however, did not comment on internal politics in the University and said, it can be observed in any organisation. Such a big institution like this university, cannot remain aloof from it. To end the discussion, he stated that the vacant posts will soon be advertised. He also stated that stern action will also be taken on those indulging in malpractice. Although steps have been taken to make the examination system foolproof, certain elements still indulge in illegal activities. The procedure for dealing with them will be made more transparent and strict.