Bengaluru: Higher Education Minister G.T. Devegowda has ordered universities not to engage private players in their operations as it is a clear violation of rules.
He has said that the universities that have called for tenders from private players should stop the process immediately and engage only government services, majorly to run Information and Communication Technology (ICT) software developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
Bengaluru North University, Bengaluru Central University, Gulbarga University and Davangere University have flouted the rules by calling for tenders from private companies to finalise online platforms and software for both academic and administrative processes, including exams and marks cards, said higher education department officials.
Impressive deals
“Though these third-party players seem to offer impressive deals, universities are told to keep away from them to avoid corruption and scams,” an official told Deccan Chronicle.
The minister said, “Such deals with private parties will not continue anymore as they gradually work towards commercialising education to make it run like a business.” He said that universities should make the most of government services that are of commendable quality. “Tumakuru University is a prime example of a such services. It has been able to conduct examinations in a scientific and fool-proof manner without spending a penny,” he said.
But top officials of universities are unhappy with the decision. “We tried approaching both state and central government agencies to do the work, but their response is always delayed. When timely intervention in both academics and administration is expected of us, it is impractical to go with these organisations. That is the reason we prefer private players, who work within deadlines,” said a registrar of a university accused of flouting the rules. Another administrative officer of a newly formed varsity said that government agencies further outsourced the work to private players adding to the fee charged from the varsities.
‘Make yoga mandatory’
During a review meeting with vice-chancellors, finance officers and registrars of all state universities, the minister recommended that yoga be made mandatory for all students beginning this academic year.
‘Cut all private ties’
Higher Education Minister G.T. Devegowda directed all state universities to restrain from involving private players in varsity operations
The move is to avoid corruption and scams
State universities asked to use software and platforms designed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
