PANAJI
Following the paper leak controversy, the State government plans to order an academic audit and draft a long-term vision document to improve the quality and functioning of Goa University. It is also considering an overhaul of the Goa University Act, 1984, through necessary amendments.
The House on Tuesday held a healthy debate on calling attention pertaining to the paper leak issue at Goa University, jointly moved by GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai and RGP MLA Viresh Borkar. While the government accepted the Opposition's request for an academic audit, it turned down the call for setting up a House Committee to look into the affairs of the Varsity.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the Assembly that the government has received the report of the committee headed by retired Justice Khandeparkar pertaining to the exam paper leak case. He said the government is examining the report and will forward it to the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of GU and the Executive Council along with the recommendation and advisory of the government.
The government is very much concerned about the quality of education as well as the functioning of GU, and will recommend that the university conduct a thorough academic audit and prepare a long-term vision document to improve its quality and functioning,” Sawant said, replying to the motion.
Sawant said that though the University is an autonomous body, the government is very much serious over issues pertaining to the University. “We have accepted the Khandeparkar committee report on the paper leak,” he said.
Pointing out that the Opposition MLAs were the ones who raised objections, in the past to the proposed amendment to GU Act, he said that the Act needs a complete overhaul. He also clarified, that the government will not grant any relaxation on the domicile criteria, and must fill up the post, unless the GU fails to get response in three attempts through advertisements.
Speaking on the motion, Sardesai questioned the action the government intends to take against the Vice Chancellor, Registrar and the Dean of Physical Sciences for shielding the accused professor.
“GU Act 1984 was last amended in 2017 and has remained untouched since then. This Act is a Colonial and UT provision Act and does not fit the modern academic institution… the Act provides no legislative audit… GU has become an island of unaccountability,” he said, demanding a comprehensive legislative and academic audit and performance linked funding for the revival of the University.
He further demanded to constitute a House Committee to clear the roadmap for GU, the move which was backed by the Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MLA Borkar and others.
GFP MLA also expressed concern that promotion of Private Universities should not be at the cost of weakening the GU.
LoP Alemao demanded that the government appoint an independent regulatory audit team and constitute a house committee. “What we are witnessing today is not just a technical lapse at GU, it is an academic and moral crisis,” he said.
MLA Borkar urged the government not to grant any relaxation on domicile criteria to GU.
