Notify VC search panels I had formed, Governor tells Tamil Nadu govt.

From Page One THE HINDU 

Notify VC search panels I had formed, Governor tells Tamil Nadu govt.
21.12.2024

The Governor pointed out that his panel for Anna University comprised the nominees of the Chancellor, the State government, the Syndicate and the UGC Chairman, in accordance with the provisions of the University's Act and the UGC Regulations, 2018.

Similarly, the search committees for Bharathidasan and Periyar universities included the nominees of the State government, the universities' Senate and Syndicate, and the UGC Chairman, the statement added.

The release further pointed out that the Governor-Chancellor, acting within the ambit of Constitutional and legal provisions, had constituted the search committees to ensure a fair and impartial process for selecting V-Cs.

The Governor also objected to the Higher Education Department's action of notifying the search committee for Bharathidasan University on December 9; and for Periyar and Anna universities on December 13. The government orders were published in the Gazette, and the committees excluded the UGC Chairman's nominee, he added.

On Thursday, Minister Govi. Chezhiaan cited a Supreme Court judgment, dated July 17, 2013, in support of the government's stand in the matter. The Raj Bhavan, in its response, said the statement was misleading. The Supreme Court, in another judgment on October 21, 2022, held that any appointment as a VC made on the recommendation of the search committee constituted contrary to the provisions of the UGC Regulations, shall be void ab initio, it added.

It further pointed out that any selection by a search committee constituted without the UGC chairman's nominee was bound to be quashed by the court. The role of a VC is pivotal in shaping the future of universities, and keeping the post vacant went against the interest of students.

Minister responds

Higher Education Minister Govt. Chezhiaan demanded that the Governor pave the way for filling vacant VC posts instead of creating hurdles to the process.

In response to the Governor's statement, the Minister said Mr. Ravi was merely repeating himself, despite the State government having pointed out that it had followed the regulations brought in by the State legislature.

He urged the Governor not to create a “crisis situation”. The University Grants Commission can only make recommendations. The State need not follow the UGC recommendations, he said.

Mr. Chezhiaan said the Governor appeared to have an ulterior motive in repeatedly demanding that the UGC Chairman's nominee be included, even though the State had followed the respective university's statutes in constituting the VC search panel.

The Minister said the Governor was interfering in the State's functions. He should instead focus on ensuring that the State universities receive the funds due to them from the UGC, which had been drastically reduced or delayed for many years, he added.

He urged the Governor to give up his “politically-motivated” attack, and instead work to improve the functioning of the universities.

The Minister said the government would address the issue legally.

‘Governor taking law into his own hands’

‘Governor taking law into his own hands’

Govi. Chezhiaan

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI 20.12.2024

The State government has followed the rules in constituting search committees to appoint eligible candidates as Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) to State universities, Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhiaan said in a statement on Thursday.

In response to a direction issued by Governor R.N. Ravi on Wednesday that the V-C search committee of Annamalai University should have a nominee of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Minister alleged that the Governor was using his position as the Chancellor to suspend the legal proceedings, carried out as per the statutes of State universities.

Mr. Chezhiaan said the government was watching the Governor’s tendency to use his position as the Chancellor of State universities to take law into his own hands. The Governor had the authority only to recommend that the search committee be announced, but he cannot constitute a search committee on his own, he pointed out.

Mr. Ravi was functioning as a representative of the UGC, violating the statutes of the universities. In a six-page response, the Minister said that six of the 13 State-run universities were currently functioning without a V-C. As the tenure of the V-C of Bharathidasan University and Periyar University would end in February and May next year, search committees had been constituted for them as well, as per the university statutes, he added.

He further pointed out that though the UGC could make recommendations, the State government had the authority to take a decision on accepting them.

Rift unwarranted: PMK

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, in a statement on Thursday, urged the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate steps to expedite the proceedings of cases pending in the Supreme Court, which pertain to the appointment of V-Cs to State-run universities.

He said that the rift between the State and Governor R.N. Ravi was unwarranted when the V-C posts in six State-run universities had been lying vacant for several months.

Registration of 156 nursing homes cancelled over irregularities: Govt

Registration of 156 nursing homes cancelled over irregularities: Govt 

Pvt Hospitals Are Being Monitored Amid Overcharging Allegation, Govt Tells House

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 19.12.2024

Bhopal : Private hospitals in the state are overcharging patients, the govt accepted in the state assembly on Wednesday. On average, one complaint per day is received by the govt against private hospitals in this regard. BJP MLA Abhilash Pandey asked about the complaints received in the last year regarding overcharging and other irregularities by private hospitals. He inquired about the actions taken on those complaints and questioned whether the govt is not keeping a strict vigil on private hospitals to control the charges levied by them. 

Deputy CM and public health, medical education minister Rajendra Shukla said in a reply that 311 complaints were received in the last year regarding overcharging and other irregularities by private hospitals. Private hospitals are being continuously monitored, he said. A total of 654 show cause notices have been issued to nursing homes since April so far. The number of nursing homes inspected was 2,354. Registration of 156 nursing homes has been cancelled. Apart from this, under the Ayushman Bharat 'Nirayam' scheme, private hospitals are being strictly monitored. The CMHOs were directed to create awareness about the rights of the patients and against excessive fee collection. Messages have been disseminated through appropriate social media platforms for public awareness. The Ayushman Bharat office has ordered the display of IEC and citizen charters to the private hospitals affiliated under the scheme. A toll-free number, call centre, and Ayushman Bharat portal are available for patients’ awareness.

HC stays counselling for NRI quota PG seats in pvt colleges

HC stays counselling for NRI quota PG seats in pvt colleges 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 19.12.2024

Jabalpur : Madhya Pradesh high court on Wednesday, in an interim order, said that NRI quota seats shall not be filled in the ensuing counselling of PG courses at private medical colleges until it delivers the final verdict. The move came in response to a petition that alleges the 15% seats reserved for NRIs in the state’s private medical colleges are being allocated only in eight popular courses and not evenly distributed. A division Bench of high court, comprising Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Anuradha Shukla, observed, “Taking into consideration the fact that the matter was heard and reserved today and a final decision may take some time, in the interest of justice and with a view to avoid the creation of third-party rights… until the delivery of the final order, the seats under NRI quota shall not be filled in the ensuing counselling of PG courses and be kept in abeyance.” HC reserved its final orders. The PIL, filed by Dr Ojas Yadav from Bhopal, says NEET prepared a merit list for NRIs and although there are 22 branches in medical colleges, state govt allocated NRI quota seats to only eight high-demand branches. Advocate Alok Bagrecha, representing the petitioner, argued that the “excessive allocation” of NRI quota seats in selected branches would affect the rights of meritorious students, as the number of available seats decreased. There are 545 seats in these eight branches, with 152 allocated under NRI quota. NRI quota seats should be distributed across all branches, the counsel said, arguing that the process adopted by state govt is illegal. The seat matrix of private colleges, which outlines the seats allocated to each category, was prepared in violation of Medical Education Admission Rules-2018, the petitioner argued before the court. Instead of the stipulated 15% for NRI quota, 40 to 50% seats have been reserved in various branches, the petition says, adding that choice filling is being conducted without providing time for claims and objections as per admission rules

Recall Annamalai univ VC search committee notification: Guv to TN

Recall Annamalai univ VC search committee notification: Guv to TN

 TIMES NEWS NETWORK 19.12.2024

Chennai : In what could escalate into another governor-govt face-off, Governor R N Ravi directed Tamil Nadu govt to recall the notification constituting a search committee to identify a candidate for the post of vice-chancellor of Annamalai University. The governor said the committee does not include a nominee of the University Grants Commission (UGC) as per the direction of the Supreme Court. A release from Raj Bhavan on Wednesday said the governor, who is also the Annamalai University chancellor, had constituted a search committee to identify a candidate for the post of vicechancellor. This search committee included nominees of the chancellor, the state govt, the university’s syndicate and the UGC chairman as per provisions of the Annamalai University Act and UGC’s 2018 regulations. The SC made this mandatory for constitution of the search committee. 

In a letter dated Oct 25, the governor-chancellor had directed the state govt to notify the constitution of the search committee, consisting of four members with the governor-chancellor’s nominee as the committee’s convener. The higher education department issued a govt order dated Dec 9, notifying the search committee. The notification, however, excluded the UGC chairman’s nominee in violation of the judgments of the SC, said the release. It pointed out the SC had already ruled any appointment of vice-chancellor made on the recommendation of a search committee constituted contrary to the provisions of the UGC regulations shall be “void ab initio” (having no legal effect from inception). “The notification issued by the govt is in difference to the search committee constituted and is void ab initio, contrary to the existing UGC regulations and prevailing orders of SC. The chancellor called upon the TN govt to recall the said notification, and directed to notify the search committee for appointment of the vice-chancellor of Annamalai University as constituted by the chancellor, which includes the UGC chairman’s nominee,” said the release

Candidate gets 101.66 out of 100 in job test, aspirants protest Indore : 17.12.2024

Candidate gets 101.66 out of 100 in job test, aspirants protest Indore : 17.12.2024

Job aspirants staged a protest in Indore on Monday raising questions over a candidate getting 101.66 marks out of total 100 due to the adoption of "normalisation process" in a Madhya Pradesh government recruitment. . . examination. 

The protesters alleged fraud in the recruitment examination and demanded a fair inquiry. Eyewitnesses said the agitating unemployed youth gathered in front of the district collector's office and handed over a memorandum addressed to chief minister Mohan Yadav to an officer. The memorandum said in the joint recruitment examination 2023 (Van and Jail Recruitment Test 2023) of Forest and Jail departments, a candidate scored 101.66 marks out of a total of 100 and topped the selection list. The result of this examination conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board, headquartered in Bhopal, was declared on December 13. 

After the announcement of the result, the board clarified the "process of normalisation" has been adopted in the recruitment examination as per rules. . , because of which candidates can get more than full marks (100) and less than zero. Normalization is a process for ensuring that students are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged by the difficulty of papers they write. The process involves revising the score of a student in a way that it becomes comparable with the score of another. This becomes necessary when an examination in the same subject is held in multiple sessions, each with a different paper. A leader of the protesters, Gopal Prajapat, told reporters, "This is the first time in the state's history that a candidate has scored more than the total marks due to the normalization process adopted in the recruitment exam. We are protesting against the unfair process. . . of normalization and demanding a fair inquiry." PTI

RGUHS evaluation: Medicos cry foul over mark disparity

RGUHS evaluation: Medicos cry foul over mark disparity 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.12.2024

Bengaluru : MBBS students of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) from batches admitted in 2018 and before have raised questions about the credibility of evaluation of answer scripts. As per the rules, evaluation is done by four experts, and the average of their marks is considered as the final score. Students allege that these four marks are often so varied that they lack credibility. When there is a disparity of more than 15%, the answer script goes to a fifth evaluator, and the average of the four best scores is taken. "Some of the marks will be as high as 70, while another could be as low as 10. How can the same paper have so much inconsistency when evaluated?" a student asked. 

A group of students approached the registrar on Monday, raising the issue. The process has been challenged in the Karnataka high court by various batches of students. For those from batches admitted in 2019 onwards, the system is different, with the best of two evaluations being considered. For the batches prior to 2019, the system has shuttled between considering the average of four, the best of two, and again the average of four, depending on court orders. “We're okay with the average of four or best of two. But our concern is that the university isn't addressing the basic issue where invigilators are giving extremely varied marks for the same paper. While a difference of a few marks is understandable, how can the marks vary so much for the same answer?” asked one student. 

“I attempted the same paper for the fourth time and failed by 1-2 marks. I lost out on six months studying the same paper at home. And every time we have to reappear, we end up paying as much as Rs 2 lakh in private seats for repeat exam fees,” said another student. RGUHS vice-chancellor MK Ramesh said there are around 3.5 lakh students, with about 12 lakh answer scripts for 38,000 evaluators. “It is only natural that a few students might have an issue. We're also engaging with the evaluators, giving instructions, directions, advice, and counseling. Just because one person got varied marks, we cannot denigrate the credentials of the complete system,” he said. "Every time we try to provide a solution, some will still go to court."

Will EWS students securing NRI and mgmt quota seats create a level playing field

Will EWS students securing NRI and mgmt quota seats create a level playing field

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesofindia.com 16.12.2024

NEET PG admissions have sparked debates about fairness as some students from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) are obtaining management and NRI quota seats in medical colleges. . , requiring them to pay course fees amounting to crores of rupees. However, experts argue that their admissions could be valid considering both Management and NRI quota seats fall under the unreserved category and are open to students from every stratum. Since EWS candidates are those who belong to families with an annual income of less than Rs 8 lakh, there is a murmur on how such candidates can pay a sizeable sum running into crores for their three-year PG degree course. 

Providing clarity 

Clearing doubts about the issue, a senior faculty from a medical college in Delhi-NCR, explains, “As per the norms, both management and NRI quota seats come under the unreserved category, hence these seats are open to EWS candidates, including those from the SC/ST categories, as per merit and choice. The problem arises when candidates claim to be from the EWS category during the application form-filling and later, at the time of reporting for counselling, opt for the NRI/management quota seats where the course fees are high. In such instances, a candidate's EWS certificate has no relevance. If aspirants are raising ethical concerns, they should take it up on a case-to-case basis with the college authorities offering admissions and the relevant administrative bodies, in this case, it is the tehsildar of the respective states that issues the EWS certificate. after the necessary verifications.”

 As per a media report, over 24,600 PG medical seats were allotted in the first round announced on November 20. Of these, 135 management quota seats in the private medical colleges and 8 NRI seats were allotted to candidates registered as EWS in clinical specialties of private medical colleges for which they need to pay tuition fees that could range anywhere between Rs 25 lakh to Rs 90 lakh per annum. It is important to note that the verification of credentials for students applying under the EWS category is typically handled at the state level or by individual colleges rather than directly by the NMC. The recent developments have generated concern regarding the mismatch in the admission process. Many aspiring medical students feel that those who may have wrongfully taken advantage of the EWS classification are undermining the opportunities meant for genuinely disadvantaged individuals.

Private medical colleges often prioritize profit generation, and management and NRI quota seats can command significantly higher fees than government quotas. This financial incentive may lead colleges to overlook regulations on EWS certification,” says Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, MAHE.

UP: Eight female MBBS students suspended at state-run medical college in Gorakhpur, here's why

UP: Eight female MBBS students suspended at state-run medical college in Gorakhpur, here's why

The suspension followed an investigation conducted by a nine-member disciplinary committee. The disciplinary committee was led by the principal of the college.

Edited By: Anurag Roushan @Candid_Tilaiyan Gorakhpur

Published : Dec 13, 2024 21:35 IST, Updated : Dec 13, 2024 21:36 IST

As many as eight female MBBS students have been suspended for three months at Madhav Prasad Tripathi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur district. As per officials, they all were students from the 2023 batch and got suspended over allegations of indiscipline.

The students were accused of engaging in factionalism and forcibly entering a fellow student’s hostel room, where they allegedly assaulted her on Wednesday night. The incident prompted an inquiry by a nine-member disciplinary committee, following which the suspension was imposed, stated Professor Rajesh Mohan, the college principal.

The suspension followed an investigation conducted by a nine-member disciplinary committee. The probe began when the complainant, a student residing in the hostel, alleged that she had been having trouble with her peers for the past several days.

"She claimed she was subjected to social ostracism, which culminated in the forced entry into her room on Wednesday night. A female security guard, along with other students, intervened to control the situation," said the Principal.

The disciplinary committee was led by the principal, along with Dr Naushad Alam, Dr CB Pandey, and Dr Ekta Dwivedi. The investigation was conducted under the guidance of Assistant Warden Dr Shagufta Shamil, the principal said.

Similar incident in West Bengal

In a similar incident in West Bengal in September this year, at least forty students from the state-run College of Medicine and JNM Hospital were expelled for six months following allegations of threatening fellow students. The decision was made during a meeting of the Extended College Council, as stated in an official document.

"Based on a large number of prima facie evidence, depositions by individual students and digital evidence, the Extended College Council decided to expel the following students from the hostel, hospital and college campus for a period of six months at least (pending further investigations into to the allegations against them) starting from today (sic)," the minutes of the meeting said.

(With inputs from PTI)

HC orders removal of MP Nursing Registration Council chief & secy over college affiliations

HC orders removal of MP Nursing Registration Council chief & secy over college affiliations 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  14.12.2024  BHOPAL

Bhopal : A division bench of MP high court on Friday ordered the removal of chairman of MP Nursing Registration Council (MPNRC), Jiten Chandra Shukla and secretary, Anita Chand stating that they were themselves involved in the nursing college affiliations in one way or the other and their appointment on the key positions in MPNRC was unacceptable. 

Taking exception to the reply of the state govt that director, medical education has constituted a three-member committee to examine the complaints against Chand despite the court's oral order to remove her and Shukla from the post, the bench of Justice Sanjay Dwivedi and Justice A K Paliwal, seized of a petition over a large number of fake nursing colleges operating in MP, asked the principal secretary, medical education, to remove the two officials in question forthwith and also directed the office of advocate general to forward a copy of the order to the chief secretary for compliance. 

Petitioner in the case, president of Law Students' Association, Vishal Baghel, has moved two applications seeking removal of Chand and Shukla levelling specific charges against them about their involvement in the scam relating to recognition to fake nursing colleges in the state in large numbers and prayed the court to order their removal from the key positions in MPNRC as they can influence the evidence regarding the scam. Anita Chand was a member of the inspection committee which had submitted a false report on March 4, 2022 on the basis of which RKS Nursing college in Bhopal was given recognition though it was later cancelled, he said. Similarly, the application for removal of Jiten Chandra Shukla said that he was the director of MPNRC when several irregularities were committed in granting recognition to the nursing colleges. 

After hearing these applications, the court directed the respondents to submit their reply  explaining as to why such persons have been placed on important posts of registrar and chairman, MPNRC and orally instructed for their removal. The court, however, noted that instead of doing so, the respondents showed a copy of order dated Dec 2, 2024 issued by the directorate medical education, wherein, a committee consisting of three members had been constituted to inspect and submit a report after analysing the complaints made against Anita Chand and inspecting the nursing colleges. The judges while stating that they were not satisfied with the constitution of the committee by the director with the approval of commissioner, public health & medical education and said, "We cannot allow such officers who were involved in the earlier process of granting recognition to hold such important posts in as much as there is every likelihood that such officers would, not only try to save their skin but also of other functionaries, try to tamper with the material. “We despise such effort and find that it is nothing but an attempt to foil the endeavours made by the court for obviating the irregularities and illegalities in the process of granting recognition.

In view of the above, we direct the principal secretary of the public health and medical education to forthwith remove Anita Chand from the post of registrar and Dr Jiten Chandra Shukla from the post of chairman of MPNRC and instead appoint some responsible officers, having unblemished service career, in their place," said the order.

MBBS paper leaks real: Top MUHS officials

MBBS paper leaks real: Top MUHS officials 

Ranjan Dasgupta & Santosh Sonawane TNN 12.12.2024 

Nashik : The question paper leaks of pharmacology I and pathology II in the ongoing MBBS examination were genuine, top officials in Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) admitted on Wednesday. Over 7,900 students are appearing for the examination, and the two question papers leaked were meant for second-year MBBS students. MUHS came to know about the pharmacology I paper leak on Dec 2 after the exam was over. In the case of pathology II, the varsity learned about the leak hours before the exam began on Dec 9, and a new set of question papers was mailed to all the 50 centres. Printouts were handed over to the examinees instead of the original set of the question papers. “In both these cases, we were informed by students about the leaks. They mailed us screenshots of the questions that went viral on social media. They must have been distressed that the question paper was leaked and immediately informed us,” a senior MUHS official said. 

The varsity has decided to mail the question paper to the exam centres on the day of the exam for remaining exams, including the pharmacology I exam, which will be held again on Dec 19. The university has already lodged complaints against unidentified persons with Nashik city police about the leaks. It has also formed a probe team to ascertain who were involved in the leaks. MUHS insiders did not rule out the possibility of tampering with envelopes that had question papers sent to centres in private vehicles, which could have led to the leaks. “The tampering could have either taken place during transportation or at the exam centres...MUHS has asked the exam centre in-charges to return the envelopes... Experts will examine if there was any tampering,” the official said. 

MUHS vice-chancellor Lt Gen Dr Madhuri Kanitkar (retd) did not speak much on the issue. “The university has taken the paper leak issue seriously. The matter is being investigated both by the police and the university. We will go all out to find out how and who were involved in this

illegal activity,” she told TOI. Nashik city police commissioner Sandeep Karnik said their probe is progressing in the right direction

Woman officer complains against VC to Guv, govt

Woman officer complains against VC to Guv, govt

 Ramendra Singh & Siddharth Shankar Pandey TNN 12.12.2024

Bhopal/Jabalpur : A female officer of Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya (RDVV) in Jabalpur has filed a complaint against the vicechancellor, accusing of inappropriate gestures, harassment and protecting staff members who harass her. The complaint has been submitted to the Madhya Pradesh Governor, state women commission and higher education department. She confirmed to TOI that copies of the complaint circulating on social media were genuine. 

When TOI contacted V-C RK Verma, he said he had no knowledge of any such complaint. “She treats me as a guardian. I do not have any idea about this,” Verma said. As per the complaint, she says she experienced ‘inappropriate conduct’ during a meeting with the V-C and her two subordinates on Nov 21, 2024. “The vicechancellor displayed unsuitable gestures towards me whilst instructing my subordinates,” the complaint says, adding that the incident was captured on CCTV. “Such behaviour towards a female officer is deeply distressing, highly inappropriate and unacceptable,” she says. The same evening, around 6pm, the V-C publicly made an ‘unfounded accusation’ against her regarding an exam date extension although he knew that another official was the coordinator, she alleges. 

She mentions another alleged incident on Oct 13, 2024, when a guest teacher made ‘inappropriate and baseless remarks’ regarding guest honorarium. “The vice-chancellor failed to address these inappropriate comments or provide clarification to guest teachers,” she alleged. She alleges that the V-C offered only verbal assurances while ‘protecting the perpetrators’, and that she was prevented from filing a complaint in Oct this year. She has attached WhatsApp group screenshots with the complaint.

HC orders DPharm seat for poor boy passing Class 12, sans Class 11

HC orders DPharm seat for poor boy passing Class 12, sans Class 11

Vaibhav.Ganjapure@timesofindia.com 12.12.2024

Nagpur : Bombay high court has directed Directorate of Technical Education to admit a20-yearold Class 12 passout to a diploma in pharmacy (DPharm) course after he was denied admission for bypassing Class 11 and enrolling directly on Class 12 science stre am through Form 17, a route legally available to private candidates. Despite scoring 61.67% in his Class 12, Amartya Meshram, a student from a poor family, was denied admission to DPharm for not completing Class 11 in a formal classroom setting. The Nagpur bench of justices stressed that Mesh ram’s educational qualification under the 10+2 system met the eligibility criteria. The court relied heavily on a 2014 Central govt notification, which allowed students with recognised 10+2 qualifications to apply for the pharmacy program, provided their schooling was not from non-formal setups like open schools.

Periyar University notificationfor Registrar, CoE posts differs from UGC norms: faculty, TNGCTA

Periyar University notificationfor Registrar, CoE posts differs from UGC norms: faculty, TNGCTA

It has been alleged that to prevent college teachers from applying for these posts, Periyar University issued a notification against the UGCrules. 

Faculty members allege that to appoint people who are close to the University administration, it has provided these norms to fill the posts; however, officials attached to the administration say that the notification was issued as per rule

M. Sabari  Salem 12.12.2024 

Faculty members of Periyar University and the Tamil Nadu Government Collegiate Teachers Association (TNGCTA) alleged that the notification issued by Periyar University for filling the posts of Registrar and Controller of Examinations (CoE) differs from the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms.

In the notification dated November 26, Periyar University invited applications for the posts of Registrar and CoE and prescribed qualifications as an academician not lower in the rank than that of a professor of a college/university. The age should have completed 55, but not more than 57 as on December 1, 2024 and should have a minimum total teaching experience of 20 years involving teaching/research or administrative responsibilities. The university asked to submit the application on or before December 16, 4 p.m. TNGCTA general secretary S. Suresh said that in the guidelines issued by the UGC on December 12, 2008, it said that for the posts of Registrar and CoE, the candidate should have at least 15 years of service as an assistant professor or eight years of service as an associate professor. All the universities had been following these UGC guidelines.

Guidelines

The Madurai Kamaraj University, in its notification dated December 7, 2024, for filling the posts of Registrar and CoE, followed these UGC guidelines. But the Periyar University notification differs from the UGC guidelines and asks only professors to apply for these posts.

To prevent college teachers from applying for these posts, Periyar University issued a notification against the UGC rules. The Tamil Nadu government should look into the issue and take steps to cancel the notification issued by the Periyar University administration, Mr. Suresh added.

Periyar University faculty members alleged that to appoint people who are close to the University administration, the University allegedly provided these norms to fill the posts.

Officials attached to the Periyar University administration said that the notification was issued as per rule, and in the past also, while the notification was issued by the university, this same set of norms was followed.

Periyar University Vice-Chancellor R. Jagannathan is not available for comments.

HC relief for law students with low attendance

HC relief for law students with low attendance 

11.12.2024

Mumbai : Bombay High Court directed the Govt Law College to accept and evaluate the internal assessments of two final-year students being denied such assessment by the college on grounds of zero and low attendance. One student had zero attendance, and the other had 9%. They are pursuing a five-year BLS LLB course. 

The petitioners, through advocate Samaa Shah, contended that as per the Credit Based Evaluation System of Mumbai University, 60 marks are for written examinations, while 40 marks are for internal assessment. The internal assessment must be completed by Dec 16, 2024, said the HC division bench of Justices A S Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil after also hearing Anupama Pawar for GLC and Rui Rodrigues for Mumbai University, but clarified that it would be subject to the outcome of the writ petition. TNN

Now, MUHS moves to email question papers to exam centres to avoid leaks

Now, MUHS moves to email question papers to exam centres to avoid leaks

11.12.2024

Mumbai : The Maharashtra University of Health Sciences has decided to email its question papers directly to exam centres. In a bid to prevent any more mishaps of paper leakage, the varsity will implement the change immediately as per the decision taken in the Board of Examination meeting that took place on Tuesday. To date, MUHS was physically delivering question papers to every exam centre. However, fresh instructions have been released for the ongoing exam, and the new method of question paper delivery will be implemented for the three upcoming exams slated for Dec 11, 13, and 19. At least one question paper of the second-year final exam, Pharmacology 1, leaked, and the MUHS will hold a re-exam on Dec 19. After rumours of Pharmacology 2 surfaced, the university sent a fresh set of questions, and on Monday, the Pathology 2 questions were rumoured to have leaked, prompting a fresh question paper to be sent to exam centres.

UGC: CUET to help students break disciplinary barriers ‘It’s Time For Universities To Adopt Open-Minded Policies’

UGC: CUET to help students break disciplinary barriers ‘It’s Time For Universities To Adopt Open-Minded Policies’ 

Manash.Gohain@timesofindia.com 11.12.2024

New Delhi : M Jagadesh Kumar, chairperson, UGC while elaborating on the changes in CUETUG 2025, gave reasons for reverting back to computer-based test (CBT) following the controversies this year, reducing the number of subjects, making all questions compulsory, and standardising test durations for logistical efficiency as well as allowing students to appear for any subject irrespective of their class XII board subjects. 

● UGC is framing guidelines to allow students to pursue subjects at undergraduate level which they have not studied in school. Will CUET-UG allow candidates to appear in subjects they have not studied earlier? 

In CUET, students can write any subject paper independent of what they studied in school. For instance, an arts student can now pursue physics at the UG level if they acquire the necessary competency, even through self-learning. NEP 2020 encourages breaking disciplinary boundaries, and CUET enables this shift. Universities need to amend their ordinances and adopt open-minded policies. Some universities currently restrict admissions to students with prior school-level expertise in specific subjects, which contradicts NEP 2020’s ethos. Universities must facilitate interdisciplinary migration to truly benefit from CUET’s flexibility. 

● Will there be a limit on the number of subjects students can opt for in CUET-UG?

 For CUET-UG 2025, students can choose up to five subjects, down from six last year. Our data show most students select four subjects, so this change provides flexibility while making exam logistics smoother. This adjustment also allows us to allocate centres closer to students’ preferences. 

● What are the key changes planned for CUET-UG 2025? 

We are standardising the exam duration to 60 minutes for all papers, with each carrying 250 marks. Students will now answer all 40 questions, eliminating choices to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation. The shift to mandatory questions reduces bias caused by varying difficulty levels of optional questions. 

● What will be the format of the CUET-UG 2025? 

CUET-UG and PG will primarily use CBT, as recommended by Dr Radhakrishnan’s committee. CBT minimises risks like paper leaks and ensures greater reliability.

 ● What other changes are being introduced for CUET-UG? 

The medium of the exam will remain in 13 languages. However, for 20 less commonly chosen languages, including foreign and some Indian languages, we will use the General Aptitude Test for admissions. Additionally, six domain-specific subjects with low registrations— entrepreneurship, teaching aptitude, fashion studies, tourism, legal studies, and engineering graphics—will also shift to the aptitude test. These changes reduce the total papers from 63 to 37, streamlining logistics.

 ● When will the CUET-UG and PG schedules be announced? 

The schedules will likely be released in December. CUET-PG is planned for March 2025, while CUET-UG will follow the bo ard exams, likely in May.

 ● Delays in result announcements have been a concern… With the CBT format, result processing will be faster. However, certain steps, like response validation by subject experts, are essential to maintain accuracy. We aim to streamline these processes to minimise delays. 

● Do you anticipate more registrations in 2025? 

Last year saw 13.47 lakh registrations, and with more universities adopting CUET, we expect this number to rise.

 ● What role does coaching play in CUET-UG preparation?

 A. Minimal. Students who focus on their board exams perform well in CUET-UG, as its difficulty level is moderate. The feedback from students confirms this, emphasising the test’s accessibility. 

● What has been CUET’s biggest advantage and challenge so far? 

CUET ensures a level playing field by eliminating biases inherent in board evaluations and fostering diversity in universities. However, logistical challenges, like conducting the exam twice  a year or enabling on-demand testing, remain. With infrastructure growth, we hope to offer more flexible options in the future

SASTRA offers one-year free vocational training course with monthly stipend

SASTRA offers one-year free vocational training course with monthly stipend

The Hindu Bureau

THANJAVUR 11.12.2024

SASTRA, a deemed university, will offer a one-year free vocational training course. Persons who have cleared their 8th Standard annual examinations are eligible to join this course jointly organised by SASTRA and Shanmuga Precision Forgings with financial assistance from the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

The candidates would be provided training in C.N.C.Machine, forging, welding and desk top computing with monthly stipend of ₹5,000.

On completion of the course, a certificate would be issued by SASTRA.

Apart from stipend, lunch would be provided to the students free of cost.

Aspiring candidates can register their names before December 25 either by appearing in person at Shanmuga Precision Forgings in SASTRA Thirumalaisamudhram campus or by dialling 99949 67805 or 63837 55260, according to an official release.

Ayurvedic/AYUSH Doctors Can't Seek Parity With Medical Doctors : Supreme Court Reiterates

Ayurvedic/AYUSH Doctors Can't Seek Parity With Medical Doctors : Supreme Court Reiterates

Debby Jain

10 Dec 2024 12:47 AM

While dismissing a special leave petition, the Supreme Court recently reiterated that Ayurvedic/AYUSH doctors cannot seek parity with medical doctors. The order was passed noting the qualitative distinction between the academic qualifications and standard of imparting of the respective degree courses.

"we are satisfied on facts that the Ayurvedic or AYUSH doctors serving in the State of Kerala, having regard to the qualitative distinction in the academic qualifications and the standard of imparting respective degree courses, cannot seek parity with medical doctors", said a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan.

In making the aforesaid observations, the bench referred to the Court's earlier decision in State of Gujarat And Ors. v. Dr. P.A. Bhatt And Ors., where it was held that allopathy doctors and doctors of indigenous medicine cannot be said to be performing equal work so as to be entitled to equal pay.

Reference was also made to the decision in Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences and Another v. Bikartan Das and Others, where it was observed that an employee of CCRAS, ( Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences)

Ministry of AYUSH was not automatically entitled to demand parity in superannuation age with AYUSH doctors, just because he treated OPD and IPD patients.

Case Title: DR. SOLAMON A v. THE STATE OF KERALA, SLP(C) No. 3946/2023

Benefit Should Be Given To Candidate And Not Employer, If Advertisement Stipulates Vague Qualification Criteria: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Benefit Should Be Given To Candidate And Not Employer, If Advertisement Stipulates Vague Qualification Criteria: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Anukriti Mishra

1 Dec 2024 12:30 PM

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that if an advertisement gives vague and ambiguous meaning with a possibility of varying interpretations about the qualification criteria of a post, the benefit should always be given to the candidate and not the employer.

The single-judge bench of Justice Sanjay Dwivedi observed, “Any advertisement creating ambiguity in regard to the qualification and taking shelter of the same, denial of liberty to the candidate, in my opinion does not seem to be proper. It is expected from the authority to make the clause clear and if prescribed qualification in the advertisement gives vague and ambiguous meaning emanating varying interpretations about the qualification criteria, the benefit should always be given to the candidate but not to the employer.”

In the present case, the petitioner had challenged the action of the respondents as they were not allowing the petitioner to participate in the interview which was scheduled pursuant an advertisement.

The counsel for the petitioner submitted that as per the requirement of advertisement, a retired Assistant Engineer having 15 years of experience on the post of Assistant Engineer, out of which 10 years of field experience is the necessary requirement and the petitioner fulfils the said criteria but was not called for interview. The petitioner contended that respondents had wrongly interpreted the clause and denied the petitioner the chance to appear for the interview.

As per the submission made by counsel for respondents, an application was submitted by the petitioner giving details therein that he had worked as an Assistant Engineer for 11 years 9 months and 27 days which fulfils the requirement. However, as per the respondents' counsel, the said period was not the total period worked on the post of Assistant Engineer but it includes the period when the petitioner has performed the duties of Assistant Engineer not in a substantive capacity but holding the additional charge of that post. He further submitted that the petitioner at the time of retirement was performing the duties as Executive Engineer and therefore, as per the rider imposed in the condition, the petitioner was disqualified as not entitled to apply under the said clause because at the time of retirement, he was performing his duties as Executive Engineer.

In order to determine whether the petitioner was wrongly denied or he was to be called for interview, the Court interpreted the said clauses of the advertisment. From bare reading of Clause 1, the court found that the requirement is that the candidate should be retired Assistant Engineer with the Civil Degree. Further, Clause 2 indicated that the 15 years' experience of working as Assistant Engineer which does not mean that the candidate must have substantively held the post of Assistant Engineer.

The court observed, “This is not disputed as the petitioner worked as an Assistant Engineer for a period of 15 years, although, in the later period of his service, he worked as an Incharge Executive Engineer but that cannot be a ground to deny the claim of the petitioner because it was a higher qualification for the petitioner to hold the post of In-charge Executive Engineer because he was substantively promoted to the post of Assistant Engineer…The basic object of the clause can be interpreted that the requirement was of experience of 15 years as an Assistant Engineer and merely because petitioner being an Assistant Engineer performed his duties for some period as In-charge Executive Engineer, it cannot be a disqualification for the petitioner.”

The court then looked into the exclusion clause which indicates that “any candidate who has retired from the higher post than that of Assistant Engineer (कायुरत रर्हत र्हयु)”. However, the petitioner was never promoted to the post of Executive Engineer and this exclusion clause would not be applicable to him because he retired as an Assistant Engineer although he was In-charge Executive Engineer at the time of retirement. “There is a drastic difference in the first part of the qualification and the part of exclusion clause.”, the Court said.

Thus, the court inferred that the petitioner having an experience of Assistant Engineer for more than 15 years and retired from the post of Assistant Engineer but not from the post of Executive Engineer, was wrongly declared ineligible to participate in the interview. “His qualification of working on higher post of Executive Engineer cannot be treated to be a disqualification for him.”, the Court said.

The court further observed that the said advertisement lacked in “clarity, precision and is couched in a language which keeps the candidates guessing as to its true impact cannot be countenanced in law.”

Therefore, the court allowed the present petition directing the respondents to accept the application of the petitioner and arrange a fresh interview for him in which he may be called and thereafter final decision be taken for selecting him to the post.

Case Title: Birendra Singh Yadav Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others, Writ Petition No. 31629 OF 2024