M M Jasim :
Many private universities in the country are running their academic activities violating the ‘Private University Act- 2010’.
According to the 42nd Annual Report published by the University Grants Commission (UGC), authorities of a good number of private universities are running their institutions whimsically.
“In some private universities, academic activities are satisfactory. Some of them are also trying to ensure quality higher education. But a good number of universities failed to ensure standard education as they are beset with many problems, including absence of Vice-Chancellors and other top officials,” the report observed. The UGC also asked the private university authorities to follow the 17-point suggestions to make their students knowledgeable and their institutions prestigious and popular.
“Some private universities do not hold Syndicate and Academic meetings. Many universities don’t have Chancellor’s appointed VC, pro-VC and Treasurer. They do not submit their annual income and expenditure reports at the UGC. These are the direct violation of ‘Private University Act- 2010’. It should be stopped,” the report mentioned.
The UGC report suggests that it is mandatory to get approval of the Chancellor before finalization of all expenditures, including expenses of Board of Trustees, Academic Council, sitting allowance and excursion abroad.
A person nominated by the UGC from its member or from a recognized university who has at least 20 years experience in teaching and research can be appointed as supervisor with a view to bringing balance of power of Board of Trustees. The University Act must be amended before applying it, the report suggests. A university can select three audit firms for analyzing their financial expenditure. The Education Ministry selects one of the firms. It is not proper process. The ministry must select a firm for audit without taking any list from any university, it observed. A student can take two courses only in a semester. As a result, they get huge extra times for involving many activities both good and evil. A good number of the students were involved in militancy last year. So, the scope to involve in militancy should be reduced. The universities should take decision that a student must take three courses instead of two in a semester, the UGC recommends.
The University Authorities must also take initiative to check any anti-constitutional activities on the campuses by its teachers, students and employees.
Campaigning can be launched to inspire the affluent people for establishing new private universities in different parts of the country, it further suggests.
A specific policy can be taken with a view to creating scope for the senior teachers of public universities to teach in private universities.
Proper steps should be taken to attract the teachers to join in any private university. And quality schools, colleges and hospitals must be established for the family members of teachers and employees. Every private university must appoint permanent teachers in its top posts.
The retried teachers of public universities can be appointed in the private universities to explore their knowledge among the students. The teacher-student ratio has to bring in a logical form. The scope for research can be extended and modern laboratory can also be established.
Accreditation Council is a must to ensure quality education in private universities. Different Salary structures must be formed to attract the talents in the teaching profession, the report said. UGC Chairman Professor Abdul Mannan told The New Nation yesterday that every private university must follow the Private University Act-2010.
“We just give them some suggestions to improve their education standard. Stern action will be taken if any university violates the Act,” the UGC Chairman said.
