The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Staff shortage hits Bangalore varsity examination section

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Friday, Aug 15, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Staff shortage hits Bangalore varsity examination section

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: The delay in announcement of results, problems in evaluation, an almost defunct Student Grievance Cell, semester system, lack of coordination between affiliated colleges and Bangalore University, staff shortage, formation of a question bank, setting up information kiosks, trifurcation of the university… these are just few of the issues that were discussed in detail at the round table discussions on “Bangalore University – problems and solutions” organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), here on Wednesday.

L. Radhakrishna, Registrar (Evaluation), said that the university’s examination section was under a lot of strain owing to the increasing number of affiliated colleges and students. He spoke about the severe staff shortage in the examination section. “The staff strength that was sanctioned when the university had just 250 affiliated colleges has not been increased even now. Currently, there are around 700 colleges affiliated to Bangalore University. Recruitments have not happened in a long time,” he said.

Timetable

Ravi Kumar from the ABVP said that the university did not follow a fixed timetable like the Department of Pre-University Education and Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board. He complained about teachers, who were not eligible, evaluating answer scripts.

B.S. Srikanta, general secretary, Bangalore University Principals’ Association, said the problems of the university compounded after the semester system was introduced. “With teachers having to attend evaluation duty, they are left with very little time to take classes. How can we teach a 60-hour syllabus in 48 hours? Students are also under pressure and do not have any time for extra-curricular activities.”

Indumathi Rao, former Syndicate member, said that the university should explore the option of conducting examinations online, at least for the Arts stream. She also suggested the introduction of a self-appraisal system for the affiliated colleges.

M.K. Sridhar from the Canara Bank School of Management Studies said the university should set up information kiosks at various centres and make all forms and procedures downloadable from the university website. He also suggested the university to conduct phone-in programmes to facilitate more interaction with the students.

Many of the participants felt that the internal assessment system had to be scrapped. Another suggestion many agreed with is the formation of a separate body to conduct examinations, on the lines of the Karnataka Examinations Authority. Many also urged the university officials to pressure the Government to lift the ban on recruitment, so that the many vacant posts in the university could be filled either through direct recruitment or through the Karnataka Public Service Commission.

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