Self-financing courses being held at BJB Autonomous College in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 13: Students enrolled in various self-financing courses under BJB Autonomous College are yet to receive their registration numbers.

The students today met the principal to discuss the issue. While the college authorities continue to claim that the issue has been sorted out and that the affiliation has already been granted, students refuse to take their word for it.

“It’s been more than three years and we only get assurances. If we have the affiliation, does it take so long to get the registration numbers,” said Swadhin, a student.

Earlier, in November 18, students had locked up the academic office and boycotted classes for about a week.

They were demanding individual registration numbers and affiliation proof.

The stir was called off only after the college informed them that the affiliation had been granted by the Utkal University and was in process. Director of self-financing courses, Mahesh Pattnaik, had then assured that the affiliation would be complete in a week’s time.

“It’s been almost two months after the assurance. However, where are our registration numbers?

“How can we study in such an uncertain atmosphere?” said Prajakta, another student.

Principal of the BJB autonomous college, Dushmanta Sahoo, however, confirmed that the affiliation was complete.

“The issue has been sorted out long a long time ago. As far as the registration number is concerned, it will take time. The students do not understand and that’s the reason why there is panic,” he said.

“Utkal University has granted the affiliation for the benefit of the students and the money required has been deposited three days ago.

“The following paper work will take its own time.

“Similarly registration numbers will take at least six months to reach. Even in case of regular subjects, the registration numbers take about a year. It will be ready by the time students appear for exams. There is absolutely no need to panic,” Sahoo said.

The courses began in 2007 and the students took admission thinking that the course was being offered by BJB College.

However, the students later realised that it was a “collaborative course” run under a trust called Heritage Vision Education Trust and that the course was yet to be affiliated.

“The five-year integrated courses have an “exit clause” after the completion of three years.

“Disturbed over the row of affiliation, many students have been planning to quit. However, without the registration numbers, that is not possible,” said Ranjan, another student.

College authorities, however, said that those who wish to quit after three months could take their mark sheets and certificates, the principal said.

The college has been offering five-year integrated courses in integrated MSc in electronic and telecommunications, integrated MSc in bio-informatics, integrated masters in business administration, and masters in journalism and mass communication.