VC accepts Dean8217;s resignation

MUMBAI, AUG 27: The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mumbai accepted the resignation of Dean, faculty of Technology, Prof S Sundaram....

MUMBAI, AUG 27: The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mumbai accepted the resignation of Dean, faculty of Technology, Prof S Sundaram. 8220;A discussion with the Dean today revealed that he is not withdrawing his resignation8221;, VC, Dr Snehalata Deshmukh told Express Newsline.

The Dean had tendered his resignation to the university on August 20. The university did not accept the resignation till today. When asked why the VC took so long to accept the Dean8217;s resignation, she said that he told her that he could not work in such stressful conditions. 8220;Since it is a question of his health, I had to accept it8221;, Deshmukh explained.

The Vice Chancellor however reiterated that the dean was not responsible for the mess as he has put in dedicated service for the benefit of the faculty.

Earlier the dean had told Express Newsline that he is not withdrawing his resignation because he is unable work under stress.

When asked if the university would give more attention to faculty following the unfortunate developement, Dr Deshmukh maintained that the university has always given adequate attention to it.

Dilip Karande, chief coordinator of Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena BVS told Express Newsline that the BVS will not stop at the heated exchange with the dean last week where the BVS charged him with the responsibility for the malaise afflicting the faculty, before demanding his resignation.

8220;I have suggested that the VC prepare a time-table for colleges at the beginning of each academic year announcing examination dates and dates on which results will be declared. We will also insist on recruiting qualified and approved teachers and thirdly that an annual report be submitted to the suceeding dean,8221; said Karande.

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Principal of Thadomal Shahani Engg College, Bandra, Prof Kranti Kumar, agreed that the delay in declarating results has been a thorny issue for some years now. Maintaining that the dean is not responsible for the problem, he clarified it is the consequence of an unplanned expansion of colleges, thanks to the All India Council for Technical Education AICTE and state government, inspite of objections raised by the univerisity in certain instances. Educationists maintain that the university is yet to make enough noise about this high-handedness.

8220;The whole year I was involved in the declaration of results and still we could make it on time. Plus I am unable to pursue other academic matters like getting project work and consultancy for the college from the industry. There is a great necessity for a sound finance and intellectual health of college and faculty8221;, Kumar rued.

The college has to take the responsibility of assessment and declaration of results of five semesters which works out to about 12,000 papers per year. 8220;We have been requesting the university to take up the assessment work of all the semsters,8221; said Kumar.