The Gujarat Government has decided to apply online computer technology and close monitoring of the Gujarat Universities from admissions to declaration of results, examinations, practical and viva-voce tests under the surveillance of CCTVs. Presiding over the Joint Review Meeting of vice-chancellors of 14 Gujarat Government Universities and the State Education to deliberate on qualitative improvement in higher education, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel said that steps could remove irregularities as well as ensuring transparent functioning of the university, maintaining the credibility of the systems.
Patel said the V-C sitting in their chamber should be able to oversee the activities of schools of studies also with the help of technology. Similar monitoring is necessary during examination of answer sheets and guidance of Ph.D. students. She asked the Vice-Chancellors to direct change in the syllabus, to bring about some uniformity in education, improve the examination system with the changing times by high-level committees. According to her socio-economic changes due to government schemes should be given priority as topics of theses for Ph.D.
The Chief Minister said that the universities should lay more emphasis on talent hunt and incorporating courses for skill development, instead of leaving it to the students or schools of studies. She asked the Higher Education Department should prepare Action Plan for universities for the entire academic year, affiliations, online appointment of principals, NAAC accreditation, grants and aids. The Action Plans should be reviewed every two months with Vice-Chancellors and Registrars.
Patel directed the Education Department to disburse within one month Rs.100-crore granted by the State Government to the universities for the repair of old buildings. She asked the Vice-Chancellors to apply their autonomy and authority in the betterment of higher education. They may make surprise visits to affiliated colleges to note workload on teachers and students’ attendance.