Lucky MBA, MCA 8217;98 batch

PUNE, Aug 18: When the University of Pune UoP modifies resolutions of the Academic Council which are aimed at uniformity, a few lucky s...

PUNE, Aug 18: When the University of Pune UoP modifies resolutions of the Academic Council which are aimed at uniformity, a few lucky students can actually benefit from the resulting discrimination against many. Like those who appeared for the Masters in Business Management MBA and Masters in Computer Applications MCA examinations in December 8217;98.

Contrary to the resolution of the Academic Council on January 29-30, that the minimum standard of passing for all8217; courses in the Management Faculty should be reduced from 50 to 40 per cent, with effect from the academic year 1999-2000, only the MBA and MCA examinations of December 8217;98 were actually graded by this rule, applied with retrospective effect.

But a circular issued by the Acting Registrar, M G Shinde, on April 10, 8217;99, to directors of all management institutes, clearly states that the above rules will be applicable for all courses under the Management Faculty, from the academic year 1999-2000. Even the syllabus 1998-99 of the management courses states that the minimum standard of passing is 50 per cent, subject to scoring 24 out of 60 for the written paper.

University officials say the move was necessary, because the results of the December 8217;98 examinations had not been declared when the Academic Council considered the matter. 8220;In order to avoid two different pass percentages for the two years of the same course, the Management Faculty requested the Vice-chancellor to apply the rule with retrospective effect,8221; says Dr Sharad Joshi, head of the Department of Commerce and Management of the UoP.

Yet, a fresh circular amending the previous April 8217;99 circular was issued by the Registrar only on June 24 8217;99, six months after the examinations, with no explanations. Blame it on administrative delays, says Dr Joshi.

Officials have no explanation about the obvious discrimination against the students who have appeared for examinations of the Management Faculty other than MBA and MCA in December 8217;98. But a pass class8217; for those who score 40-50 per cent, may be introduced for all courses under the Faculty of Management, at the next meeting of the Academic Council on September 6 and 7, says Shinde.