Academe considers a rethink

VADODARA, Aug 3: Decentralisation, affiliation and diversion of below-par students to open universities are some of the proposals thrown ...

VADODARA, Aug 3: Decentralisation, affiliation and diversion of below-par students to open universities are some of the proposals thrown up by several authorities at M S University in search of a permanent solution to the admission-related problems that the Commerce faculty has had to witness of late.

As a step in this direction, an eight-member committee of several senior Senate and Syndicate members has been formed to consider possibilities and ramifications of affiliating colleges to MSU.

But as with any proposal, this, too has its critics, with some saying this will take away from the university8217;s residential character, and others opining that it would not really take care of the Commerce admissions rush.

With the issue evoking such passionate arguments, it comes as no surprise to learn that though the Syndicate has taken it up several times, a decision is yet to be reached.

Another group on the campus is strictly against the lowering of the university8217;s standards by accommodating all applicants. Points out Officer on Special Duty for examinations L J Parekh, 8220;The number of admission-seeking students is increasing by the day. Alternative measures are the only way out.8221;

He adds, 8220;Compared to Gujarat University, we are accommodating in one commerce faculty what they need 12 commerce colleges to take in. Though not many private parties will come forward to set up commerce colleges, at least the university can start sending out feelers.8221;

Disagreeing with Parekh, MSU8217;s former Pro-Vice-Chancellor Veena Mistry says the university should definitely not think of affiliation. 8220;If students have to be accommodated, then the authorities consider more colleges, like that for Arts and Commerce at Padra and the girls8217; college at Nizampura.8221;

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But these colleges had in no way lessened the rush for the main Commerce faculty at MSU. To that argument, Mistry says that if the colleges developed the same standards, they should have no problem drawing students.

Dean of the Faculty of Social Science Anil Navle belongs to a third school of thought that supports the open university idea. 8220;If the students with low percentages have to take admissions, then there is always the open university option.8221;

He points out that there were two open universities 8212; the Indira Gandhi National Open University and the Ambedkar Open University 8212; with centres in the city, which could make place for students the MSU rejected because their marks were below the cut-off level.