The performance of Goa University over the past few years has not been too inspiring
Goa University, the only state-run university in Goa, which began functioning on June 1, 1985, will soon complete 40 years of its existence. Therefore, one can rightly maintain that the recent paper leak that has tarnished the image of the university has come at the wrong time. The ruby jubilee celebrations of this premier educational institution will definitely carry the dark shadow of the corrupt practices that have recently been exposed within its premises. Furthermore, it is sad to observe that a teacher who is expected to disseminate knowledge is himself allegedly involved in such dishonest practices.
It all began when, last weekend, a group of activists alleged that a male faculty member had stolen a question paper and then leaked it to a female student as a favour. The group also submitted a complaint to the police station. Soon, the news spread like wildfire, and student bodies as well as political parties took the university authorities to task. Consequently, the university Vice Chancellor established a fact-finding committee with a 48-hour deadline to submit its report. Furthermore, the assistant professor accused of the paper leak was suspended pending an inquiry. The Governor, who is the university Chancellor, also sought a report from the Vice Chancellor
on the matter.
The report of the fact-finding committee has already reached Raj Bhavan; however, its content is yet to be made public. Although the university claimed that no complaint regarding any paper leak had been made, the public’s wrath, especially that of the student community, forced the setting up of a four-member, high-level committee to probe the case. The panel, headed by former High Court Judge Justice (Retd) RMS Khandeparkar, with Bosco George, IPS (Retd) as one of its members, will now seek the truth
behind the allegation.
On Friday, the Goa University filed a complaint with the police against the Assistant Professor. Now, the police investigation will pick up pace as until now, it was only a complaint lodged by a group of activists. It is thanks to some vigilant activists that the case of alleged favouritism has come to light.
Corruption in the educational field is not new to Goa. During the late 1970s, the then education minister was forced to resign over a marks scandal, wherein he had raised the higher secondary examination marks of his niece from 54 percent to 70 percent. The main reason behind such incidents is, of course, favouritism. This, in turn, causes injustice to other students who depend on their hard work to perform well in the exams. In the 90s, a case of manipulation of marks at the Goa University was highlighted by this newspaper leading to suspension of officials and a faculty member.
The performance of Goa University over the past few years has not been too inspiring. Even the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had in the past raised concerns over the slipping of GU’s ranking among the universities across the country, despite being provided with the requisite infrastructure and human resources. He had even maintained that 80 percent of the students graduating from the university are not ready to face competitive exams. After the paper leak embarrassment, Goa University has now announced the establishment of a Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination coaching centre.
It is high time, the Goa University puts in place a foolproof examination system where in there will be no scope for paper leakage or manipulations of marks.
