Ambition to cast off the old mould may have prompted Patna University to usher in the ambitious semester system but the institution seems to be stuck in the old rut of procrastination.
The switch from the yearly system to semesters — under the guidance of the University Grants Commission last year — was supposed to streamline the academic calendar. To begin with things were going well.
The Telegraph reported in its March 20, 2013 edition that classes had become regular and the students were putting their shoulder to the wheel in the demanding academic atmosphere.
But this year, things are back to square one: the ghost of innumerable delays has returned to haunt the students and teachers. While the start of the academic session has been delayed for new students, the older students are still waiting to take their second semester examinations, which were scheduled for end-May
“The academic sessions under the yearly system used to be delayed. Under the semester system, too, there has hardly been any change,” said Vishal Yadav, a second-semester science student.
According to the university rules, the new academic session under the semester system was supposed to start from mid-July.
Worried over the delay, Patna University pro-vice-chancellor Sudipto Adhikari said: “The delay has occurred because the Raj Bhavan has not yet given its nod for the fee structure under the semester system.”
The varsity administration had last year prepared a new fee structure, increasing the payments. But because of stiff protests from students, the authorities had been forced to revise it.
For the delay in exams, however, the students and teachers lay the blame squarely at the door of the university authorities. The exams were supposed to be held in end-May or early June. But the university is yet to announce the dates for it.
Kishan Kumar, a second-semester geology student, said: “We are very worried about what will happen.”
The university authorities were unavailable to comment.
hurdles
Problems
Admission to postgraduate courses yet to start at Patna University because of delay on the part of Raj Bhavan to give nod to revised fee structure
Second semester exam — scheduled to start in end-May — yet to begin. Routine not published
Effects
Less time for first semester students to complete their course
Third and fourth semester examinations likely to be delayed
Postgraduate students preparing for competitive examination such as NET would suffer because of delay