Engineering Dean tenders resignation

BVS union leaders, including Dilip Karande, had approached Prof Sundaram to discuss problems faced by engineering students. Karande had alleged that the dean constantly interfered8217; with the Allowed To Keep Terms facility by frequently issuing contradictory regulations since 1997. He also alleged that Prof Sundaram had displayed bias towards the Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute of which the dean is vice-principal by allowing one of the students to take the Semester VI examination without appearing for the Semester V exam.

Early this month, students of Sardar Patel Engineering College, Andheri, had pointed out that while in some colleges students had been allowed to take the Semesters V and VI exams in April and May 1999, simultaneously while they had been denied this facility. Prof Sundaram had, however, refused to give them an assurance. The university said it would issue a circular to all colleges asking them to withhold the results of Semester VI. However, Karande said, if the circular is indeed issued, he would opposee the move.

Students had also pointed out that though the university had been apprised of the errant colleges, some like the VJTI, Vivekananda, NYSS and Jondhale colleges had been allowed to take the Semester VI exam.

In September 1997, the dean had also issued a circular canceling an old set of rules which placed no limitation on the number of subjects per semester that a student could fail to be eligible for ATKT. Also, the students pointed out, though the new rule was to implemented from June 1998, it was instead implemented in November 1997 itself. This had left them with so little time to prepare for their exams as a result of which many students had failed.

The dean then issued another regulation whereby students were asked to take the exams of three semesters together irrespective of ATKTs. Due to the constant changes in rules, students have been left utterly confused.

Students also protested that results in the engineering faculty are inordinately delayed, every year, without fail. Thus, students are left wondering whether they are eligible for the next academic year even after attending half the term.

Today, Karande discussed the issue of term grants 8212; which allow students who have failed previous semesters to attend classes of subseequent semesters 8212; with Prof Sundaram, the pro vice-chancellor and other senior officials. While Karande maintains that the university has agreed to extend the facility.

Asked to comment on his resignation, a visibly upset Prof Sundaram told Express Newsline: 8220;Ask thee pro vice-chancellor.8221; He refused to say any more.

Dr Chandra, however, denied having any knowledge of the resignation. He only maintained that the dean was indeed upset but declined to state any reason.