G.N. Talukdar

Oct. 30: The crisis-ridden Gauhati University today held a meeting of the principals of its affiliated colleges to chalk out ways to streamline the functioning of the varsity.

University registrar R.N. Das said the meeting, which was attended by vice-chancellor G.N. Talukdar, other top university officials and principals of several degree colleges, discussed various issues and problems the university is facing.

“The meeting was held in a very conducive atmosphere and the principals came out with many positive suggestions and recommendations. The participants emphasised on ensuring better co-ordination between colleges and the university. More such meetings will be held at frequent intervals to keep the efforts going,” Das said.

Addressing the meeting, the vice-chancellor said no university could effectively function without the co-operation of and co-ordination from its affiliated colleges. Since the university is passing through a critical phase in its history, everyone associated with the institution should come forward with innovative, positive and constructive ideas, Talukdar said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, one of the principals said the participants accorded highest priority to bringing reforms in the current examination system.

“There are several loopholes in the university’s current examination system. A two-member inquiry panel, which probed the scam relating to evaluation of answerscripts of degree examination last year, has made several urgent recommendations. So, the principals present at the meeting have asked the varsity administration to introduce a centralised evaluation system and early payment of remuneration to the examiners besides ensuring transparency in distribution of extra papers to the examination zones, updating the list of examiners and use of computers,” he said.

The university officials assured the principals that several steps were being initiated to streamline the examination system. They said the university is going to introduce the system of allowing the students to see their answerscripts if they are not satisfied with their marks.

“This will address the grievances of students and parents. There were many instances of students moving court alleging discrimination and carelessness of the university in allotment of marks. The system of allowing students to see the answerscripts is prevalent in many other universities in the country,” said one of the university officials.

The principals also asked the university to chalk out an examination calendar to ensure that examinations are held on time. They also suggested that efforts be made to declare the results, particularly those of the degree examinations, on time so that the students do not miss the deadlines for taking admission in universities to pursue postgraduate courses.