SGU okays BBA course

SURAT, June 14: After sitting over the idea for a long time, the academic council of South Gujarat University has finally okayed the introdu...

SURAT, June 14: After sitting over the idea for a long time, the academic council of South Gujarat University has finally okayed the introduction of Bachelor of Business Administration courses.

Groupism in the council reportedly delayed the institution of the course in SGU, though all other universities in Gujarat went ahead with proposals received from various bodies. The SGU academic council8217;s recommendations will come up for discussion at the Syndicate meeting scheduled for Monday.

If the Syndicate endorses the recommendations, SGU will create 650 BBA seats.The institutions whose applications 8212; either for affiliation or for permissions 8212; were cleared by the academic council include Vapi8217;s Rofel Trust, Bardoli8217;s Arts and Commerce College, Navsari8217;s Naranlala Institute of Management Studies, Sarvajanik Education Society, Bharuch8217;s Narmada Education Society and Amroli Arts and Commerce College in Surat.

The Hoshang Mirza group, which is opposed to the concept of self-financing courses, had so far spiked every such proposal that came up before the academic council and the Syndicate. Former Vice-Chancellor B A Parikh was also against such courses.

The scenario changed when Ashwin Kapadia took over as vice-chancellor in August. However, he did not command a majority. And when he did clear one such proposal using emergency powers bestowed on him under Section 11 4 of SGU Act, he was hauled in the Gujarat High Court which issued an interim order restrained him from using emergency powers.

Vapi8217;s Rofel Trust, which had introduced BBA course in 1996, ran into trouble when the SGU refused to give it affiliation. After SGU8217;s directive to the trust asking it to return excess fees was challenged in the Gujarat High Court, all proposals for BBA courses were put on hold.

When it came up for discussion on Saturday, Dr J C Vyas moved a motion saying the reports submitted by Local Inquiry Committee should be accepted as they are, while K V Nayak of Mirza group moved another motion asking the council to wait for another month.

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He also wanted the university to lay down a fresh set of rules in keeping with UGC directive and take up the proposal again in the council8217;s next meeting on July 15 in a bid to delay the proposals. When the votes were cast Vyas8217;s motion was passed by nine against seven in favour of Nayak.

Two more applications for starting BBA courses by Bharuch Commerce College and Tapi Bramhcharya Ashram of Surat were rejected by the council as the LIC had given a negative report.