Internal assessment: More colleges to face surprise checks

The three member committee – comprising Dr T P Madhu Nair,Dean of commerce faculty,Dr T A Shiware,Principal of KPB Hinduja College of Commerce and Dilip Karande,Senior Mumbai University senator and member of the management council — submitted its report on Tuesday.

“We had selected three colleges for checking possible malpractices based on the complaints received. One out of the three colleges was found violating rules and ‘excessively liberal evaluation’ of internal exams was being conducted. We are sure there are many such colleges in the city that are flouting rules,so we have sought permission from the Controller of Examination to conduct surprise checks at other commerce colleges and examine their documents,” said Karande. There are over 325 colleges affiliated to MU which offer commerce stream.

The three colleges where investigation was being conducted are Vartak College in Borivali,Prakash College,Kandivali and Lords Universal College at Malad (East). The report states that Vartak college was successful in justifying the internal marks allotted and all the records were properly maintained.

The investigation found that in Prakash College all the teachers are under qualified to be assistant professors. Though,the college has followed the rules of internal assessment,it needs improvement. The marks were allotted liberally and assignments were not evaluated in every subject,the panel noted.

However,the report stated the maximum flouting of rules was noted at Lords College. The report states the principal had shown ignorance towards the examination system. No class tests or assignments were conducted during the year as stipulated. Attendance was not considered for allotting marks under the head of ‘active class participation’ and ‘responsible behaviour’. Over 75% were allotted to the students,irrespective of class test,assignment or class participation. The same was “moderated” by the principal,which is not allowed. The committee also observed overwriting at many places on the marksheets.

Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Mumbai University,Dr. Naresh Chandra said,“We have received the report from the committee. The panel found discrepancies in allotment of internal marks at Lords Universal College. It has now recommended further investigation at the college and we will be sending a local inquiry committee there as soon as possible.”

Panel’s findings

The investigation found that in Prakash College all the teachers are under qualified to be assistant professors.

The report states the principal of Lords College had shown ignorance towards the examination system.