The proposed university of cluster of colleges including DAV (PG) College, DBS (PG) College and Dayanand Women's Training College before the State Government will provide academic autonomy to these colleges which will help in providing quality education to the students, said the principals of DAV (PG) College and DBS (PG) College on Wednesday.
However, student leaders have expressed their apprehension on increasing tuition fees and admission fees if this new university is established. DAV (PG) College Principal Dr Devendra Bhasin said that after formation of university, decision making process related to academic and infrastructure building will be eased in these colleges. Currently, these colleges do not have any role to play on various decisions by the Garhwal University. Based on new trends, these colleges will be able to introduce some new courses. He further said that Central Sponsored Scheme Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) aims at setting up of new universities of high standards and empowering State universities through University Grants Commission (UGC) funding. It gives emphasis on improving infrastructure and manpower to impart quality education to students with the help of the UGC funds.
Under RUSA, these colleges will be able to get funds for infrastructure development like upgradation of library, science lab, computer lab, additional class rooms and others. As per the proposal submitted to the State Government, service condition of college teaching and non-teaching staff should be remain same and the Government will fix college fee. University’s building should be constructed under RUSA scheme and funds should be released in the ratio of 90:10 between the Central and State Governments. DBS (PG) College Principal OP Kulkshretha said a college cluster universities is a scheme where around five or six colleges in a region can form into a cluster and granted autonomy. Another advantage of this systems is that lesser known colleges will be able to improve their quality.
The new university will provide academic autonomy to these colleges and colleges will be able to provide quality education to the students. However, DAV (PG) College Teachers Union member DK Tyagi said that teachers have disapproved management’s decision as this would lead to privatisation of education and teachers concerns will be affected in future. “To discuss on this issue, we have called a meeting on December 28,” he added. DAV chief proctor Kaushal Kumar said that he opposes formation of new university because the existing service conditions of staff might be reversed by the Government. NSUI member Veenit Bhatt said, “We opposed this in fear of increasing admission and tuition fees if the colleges come under the umbrella of such university. After formation of new university, the admission of around 30, 000 admissions will not take place and where these students would go.”