The State government, which faced a barrage a questions over the March exam paper leak at Goa University, ordered an academic audit and a long-term vision document to improve the quality and functioning of the Goa University. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also said his government is considering an overhaul of the GU Act 1984 through necessary amendments. The House witnessed sharp arguments on a calling attention motion jointly moved by Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai and RGP MLA Viresh Borkar.
The Physics paper leak at Goa University has exposed glaring deficiencies in the administration and accountability of Goa's premier higher education institution. While the government’s move to call for an academic audit and a long-term vision document are positive steps, these cannot mask the deeper systemic issues that the crisis has laid bare. The opposition’s demands for a comprehensive legislative overhaul, a performance-based evaluation, and legislative oversight highlight the urgency for reform that goes beyond token measures.
One may argue that all is well at the Varsity since Goa University has been recently accredited with an A+ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of India. This accolade must be viewed skeptically in the light of the paper leak and the mounting calls for reform. While accreditation is important, one cannot overlook robust internal checks, transparent processes, and a culture of accountability. A high rating is by no means a certification against malpractices, procedural lapses, or academic misconduct.
Sardesai pointed out that the Goa University Act of 1984 is outdated, colonial in origin, and badly suited to the needs of a modern academic institution. He demanded a legislative overhaul, performance-linked funding, and a clear roadmap to restore credibility. His critique raises crucial questions: Does the current legal framework provide sufficient oversight? Does it allow for accountability and transparency? Or has it created an “island of unaccountability,” as Sardesai put it?
The Opposition’s call for a House Committee to scrutinise the university’s affairs is a logical step. However, the government’s reluctance to establish such a committee, citing concerns over autonomy, exposes a deeper resistance to accountability. If the university remains shielded from external oversight, then compromises in matters of integrity, governance, and quality assurance are inevitable.
To begin with, there has to be wholehearted acceptance of systemic failures, followed by a strong intent to set things right. Let us not forget the fact that top officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, were in denial while labelling it a minor administrative hiccup. It took a strong insistence from an activist and follow-up action to set the ball rolling.
Now that there is an acknowledgement of the report, why are the findings not public yet, and why is action not being initiated? Former governor PS Sreedharan Pillai, in his final words before exiting Goa, spoke of the A+ ranking that the university achieved during his time, but there was no word about issues the Varsity is facing or the probe report. The delay in holding officials accountable even after the report is baffling; it triggers suspicion.
To restore public trust and academic integrity, Goa must embrace a wider oversight mechanism, one that ensures the university’s autonomy is balanced with accountability, and only then will excellence be cherished, and it is only then that Goa University will fulfil its role as a bastion of higher education and research.
