The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Deemed Universities

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 26, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Deemed Universities — the way forward

V. Jayanth

NEWSANALYSIS We should not become pawns in the UGC-AICTE fight, say students

REAL CONCERN: Police protecting students during a protest at the Sathyabama Deemed University. — Photo: M. Karunakaran

CHENNAI: Now that the High Court has spoken, even in an interim ruling, on the Deemed-to-be-Universities (DUs) case, it is time for all concerned to move forward and not look back at the spilt milk. And the way forward lies in "doing things right," and making up for lost time and damages.

Though the clubbed cases related to the DUs controversy — on whether the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has the right to inspect their facilities — have been posted for April 3, the First Bench has ruled that DUs offering technical education are bound to follow the norms and conditions of the AICTE. The Bench has itself called upon the students to call off the strike and asked all parties to show "restraint."

Bearing that in mind and the approaching semester examinations, the managements and students of the DUs must sort out the mess, agree on the procedures to be followed and get back to the academic routine. The earlier they do that the better, though some of these institutions may need time to restore some of the damaged property and replace the mauled equipment, including computers. For that to happen, there needs to be a basic agreement to "set the house in order."

The students and their parents are very clear about one thing — that the students of these DUs need a B.E. or B.Tech degree that is recognised both nationally and internationally. And if the AICTE approval or inspection is required to get that recognition, the DUs must go through the process. As a protesting student leader argues: "Our parents did not pay so much for us to get a B.Sc. or B.A. degree and the managements must accept this as the basic requirement. It should not become a prestige issue or a battle between the UGC and the AICTE. We should not become pawns in their fight."

Vested interests

The Chancellor of one of the Deemed Universities says the institutions will abide by the High Court order. But he does not mince words in accusing "vested interests of fanning unrest and violence" in the campus of some of these institutions. The AICTE circular may have sparked the incident, but he is clear that "outside elements" went on the rampage and "instigated our students." He is ready to digest the losses and damage to property, but wants to see the students focused on academic work.

But the DUs also realise that along with the problem of their degrees, the recent incidents have dented their "image and credibility" — that too during the run-up to the admission season. They know that students and parents will think twice before seeking admission to DUs in the next season unless this problem is ironed out.

They have to rebuild their credibility — on the basis of which they secured the DU status a few years ago.

Certain violations

Some of them have problems with the State Government on account of "certain violations" and special concessions either granted to enjoyed on their own. Hence the periodic demands for their takeover by the Government.

The managements must realise that ultimately the students and their parents alone will be on their side, if they do the right thing.

They make another point. They feel that the Anna University Vice-Chancellor should not be part of the AICTE apparatus in Tamil Nadu as the DUs are actually "competitors" with that university. His "dual role" can work against the DUs.

The road ahead appears to be clear — (1) The DUs will ensure that they award B.E. or B.Tech degrees that are recognised (UGC or AICTE); (2) The students should call off their strike and return to normal academic activities; (3) Other issues that have been raised by the students must be addressed by a joint committee of the management, staff and students; (4) All outstanding issues with the Government or its agencies must be resolved so that the violations and deviations are set right.

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