CU to take over control of self-financing PG courses from affiliated colleges

Kolkata: Calcutta University (CU) has decided to take control of all the self-financing Post-Graduate courses run by different colleges under its ambit.

A detailed meeting in this regard will be held on Monday, though the decision in this regard will be finalised in the next meeting of the syndicate, which is the highest decision-making body of the univer-

sity.

The decision of the varsity comes in the wake of a recent report prepared by the CU authorities, where it has been found that the self-financing PG courses run by different colleges are not functioning as per the likings of the varsity.

It may be mentioned that various colleges under the university run self-financing PG courses. The syllabus for such courses is framed by the respective colleges and the examination is also conducted by them. The university only offers the certificate.

"We have found out that the academic standards in the colleges having these courses have a disparity with the requisite level. The reports submitted by the deans have revealed this and they have also informed the vice-chancellor about a total revamp of the self-financing courses, for raising the level of educational standards," a senior official of CU said.

He added that the university feels that this disparity can be sorted out if the university frames a uniform syllabus, conducts the examination and also makes arrangements for checking the answer scripts in the same manner, as is done in the Post-Graduation level examinations.

"As the examination scripts of the students are presently examined by the teachers of their own colleges, questions are also raised about transparency. This can be done away with," opined a senior CU official.

Besides this, there are also allegations of the colleges charging exorbitant fees for the self-financing courses, by disobeying the directives of the varsity in this regard. The courses are taught, not by regular teachers, but by guest faculties.

"If we find that the colleges are ignoring our directives, we will not issue certificates on behalf of the colleges," the official added.

Presently, there are 147 colleges under the varsity, among which the majority offers self-financing PG courses.