Senate members to approach Chancellor

The State Government had permitted two new BCS colleges in Pune, overruling the development plan prepared by the university two years ago. The proposals were cleared after being rejected by the university, using its special power under the Maharashtra Universities Act, 1994.

The members, in the strongly-worded white paper, cast aspersions on the 8220;helpless leadership8221; of the university 8220;for surrendering before the educational mafia8221;.

There could be absolutely no justification to the two colleges being granted permission by flouting norms when there was no dire urgency, the members said. 8220;The permission was granted in such haste that the authorities did not even bother to think about the students losing out a complete term,8221; they said.

Under the university ordinance, to become eligible for appearing for an examination, a student must have at least 75 per cent attendance in both terms. The students of these colleges will not be eligible under this rule.

The members criticised the Vice-Chancellor for not taking a principled stand. 8220;If the State has exercised its special powers, the university could have rejected the permission on the grounds that it was a violation of the development plan, which is also supported by the Maharashtra Universities Act,8221; the members said.