Governor and Chancellor of universities of the State, Droupadi Murmu assessed the academic and administrative operations of six universities of the State here on Friday.
Chaired by the Governer, the meeting was attended by Vice Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors and other functionaries from five varsities of the State — Ranchi University, Kolhan University, Sidhu Kanhu Murmu University, Nilamber Pitamber Univeristy, Vinoba Bhave University — and VC of Birsa Agricultural University
along with other University personnel.
“There is need of qualitative improvement of our universities. Each and every university staff should work towards ensuring that their students get better education so that the institution is recognised across the nation,” the Governor said.
During the meeting, it was decided that universities should coordinate with Department of Higher and Technical Education to tackle the irregularities in matters of salary. Department Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh informed that a Joint Secretary-rank officer has been instructed to look into issues of salary.
“There should be a policy governing transfer and posting of university teachers. A committee to look into these matters should be formed with a female teacher and a senior SC or ST teacher on it,” said the Governor.
“Misappropriation of funds should be strictly dealt with. Funds should be used for their pre-determined purposes. The varsities should submit their utilisation certificates on time and let the Higher and Technical Education Department know of their requirements so that funds for the same are released on time,” she added.
The Governor also instructed that the academic sessions should start and be completed within the stipulated time frame.
“A system should be brought into practice where a student unsatisfied with the marks he has got in an examination can present his claim before a designated committee. Initiative has to be taken towards issues like providing mark sheets online, issuing provisional certificates and such,” she stated.
In addition to this, officials of Higher Education Department informed that work for digitisation of university campuses is on the cards. There are also plans to set up Wi-Fi zones in educational institutions. Varisities, colleges and other educational have been asked to submit a list of places where these zones could be set up.
The upcoming students’ union elections were discussed during the meeting.
“The elections should neither be conducted during examinations nor over a long period of time. The recommendations of lingdoh Committee should be strictly adhered to while conducting the elections,” instructed the Governor.
The meeting also focussed on ensuring that the colleges and universities provide basic amenities to their students.