Govt still to act on panel report in exam paper leak
PANAJI
Over a month after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Assembly of an academic audit of Goa University, the promise remains unfulfilled, even as the varsity continues to grapple with its poor performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) released by the Union Education Ministry.
More so, the government is yet to act on a report submitted by retired Justice Khandeparkar and committee pertaining to the exam paper leak case of the University that came to light in March. High level committee had submitted its report to the Government in July.
Following the paper leak controversy, the State government announced directions to conduct an academic audit and draft a long-term vision document to improve the quality and functioning of the University.
Speaking to The Goan, Sawant said that the government is yet to issue any directions to the University. “We will do it,” he said.
A senior officer at Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) confirmed that the government is yet to issue any directions to the University pertaining to academic audit or any other recommendations made by the Khandeparkar committee. “Also, the report is not yet submitted to the Governor, who is the Chancellor of the varsity,” the officer said.
The recently concluded monsoon session of the State Legislative Assembly had witnessed healthy debate on the declining quality of education at the University with the House being unanimous on the need for academic overhaul, audit and clear roadmap.
Responding to this, Sawant had said, “The government is very much concerned about the quality of education as well as the functioning of GU and will recommend the Goa University to conduct a thorough academic audit and prepare a long-term vision document to improve its quality and functioning. Though the University is an autonomous body, the government is very much serious over issues pertaining to the University.”
In August, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) awarded the A+ grade - the highest grade - to Goa University. The A+ grade is a significant jump for the varsity from the B++ grade awarded to it in the last assessment cycle by NAAC in 2022.
While the varsity and the government were rejoicing over the best grade awarded to Goa’s lone and State-run varsity, marking a historic shift for the institution, the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) rating, declared last week, came as a major embarrassment to the State. GU failed to find its place in top 200 institutions in India, as it slipped out of 15-200 rank-band of the overall university category - the position where it had stood last year.
While University Vice Chancellor Harilal Menon was quick to say that NAAC achievement is a testimony to the hard work, integrity, and dedication of the entire university fraternity, the GU issued no statement on NIRF downfall.
