Madras HC variable apart, Anna University convocation work on

By Ashmita Gupta  |  Express News Service  |   Published: 15th May 2017 03:20 AM  |  

 

Anna University Building, Guindy. | (File | EPS)

CHENNAI: Degree certificates are being printed. So are the invitation cards, as Anna University authorities have decided to go ahead with the convocation on May 19, even as the key post of Vice-Chancellor (V-C) is vacant.

However, a section of faculty members is sceptical whether the function will be held as scheduled, with the Madras High Court set to hear a petition against it just two days prior to that.

Speaking to Express on condition of anonymity, a faculty member said the university has started printing the certificates. “After Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, who is the Chancellor of the university, gave consent to hold the convocation on May 19, the announcement was made on the university website, inviting students for registration. They have also started preparing drafts of  the invitation,” he said.

According to university officials, degree would be conferred on PhD students, gold medallists and toppers in various courses and branches from all the affiliated colleges. Students have been given time till Monday evening to register for the convocation. “As of now, 700 students have registered. There are 1,500 PhD holders both from university departments and affiliated colleges,” said an official.

However, a section of the faculty pointed out that holding the ceremony depended on the outcome of the court case.

The Anna University Teachers’ Association (AUTA) had filed the petition against holding the convocation before the post of V-C was filled up.

Faculty and students have been raising concerns about not having the V-C’s signature on the degree certificate, which, in academic circles, especially the elite institutions abroad, is considered a serious drawback for the student.

The petition was filed on May 10, following which the court issued notice to the higher education department seeking reply. “In the meanwhile, a public advertisement was issued on May 11, and a 50-member committee was formed to organise the convocation - all without informing the court,” alleged S Chandramohan, secretary, AUTA.

Backing him, another professor requesting anonymity noted how the university had spent Rs 79 lakh for the last convocation. “As the matter is pending before the court, they should not go ahead with preparat

ory work. Otherwise, all that money would go waste if the court stays the convocation,” he added.

Though there were reports that T V Geetha, director of academic courses, who is the senior-most faculty member in the varsity, would be made the officiating V-C,   sources within the faculty said there has not been any move in this regard.

Meanwhile, students from the Revolutionary Students Federation and other organisations have announced protests from Monday to Thursday to stop the convocation in the absence of V-C.