Students applying for various courses in the six constituent colleges of Madurai Kamaraj University have raised concerns about inordinate delays, non-adherence to procedures and lack of transparency in the admission procedures.
As the fees in all six constituent colleges - in Andipatti, Kottur, Sattur, Aruppukkottai, Vedasandur, and Tirumangalam - are on par with government colleges, there is considerable demand for the undergraduate courses offered here, particularly those from rural and socio-economically backward backgrounds.
However, applicants allege that the admissions in these colleges get considerably delayed every year, much after admissions are over in other colleges. “Hence, we are forced to choose one of the government-aided or self-financing courses in other colleges, which cost us much more,” a student, who has applied for B. Sc. Mathematics in Tirumangalam said.
A number of students and faculty members working in these colleges also alleged non-adherence to the “Procedure for Admission to UG / PG Courses in Arts and Science Colleges 2017-18” issued by Directorate of Collegiate Education (DCE) on May 11, 2017.
For instance, citing the DCE guidelines, they pointed out that the rank list of students for admission to various courses must be displayed on the notice boards no later than 14 days from the announcement of Plus Two results. However, the lists have not been published in any of the colleges even 22 days after the the publication Plus Two on May 12.
Another student, who has applied for B. Com (Computer Applications) in Andipatti college, alleged lack of communication on admission schedule, including the date of publication of first rank list and for how long wait-listed candidates had to wait.
Alleging lack of transparency in the procedures, a faculty member from Kottur college said that the Selection Committees to be formed in the colleges as per DCE guidelines are often formed in an arbitrary manner by Principals.
“Similarly, admissions should be done through counselling and the colleges should maintain 11 different registers for admissions, capturing various details. Hardly any of the constituent colleges follow these. There is lack of monitoring by the university,” he said.
He also pointed out that Principals had not been appointed for the colleges in Andipatti, Sattur and Aruppukkottai, where one of the guest lecturers in the colleges were acting as Principals, causing further delay in admission process.
When contacted, a senior official from MKU refuted the allegations and said that all the procedures as stipulated by DCE were followed. "The first rank list will be put up in the notice boards on June 5 (Monday) and selected students can get their admission process completed till June 12, after which the second list will be prepared," he said.
Regarding appointment of Principals to three colleges, he said that the issue had been taken to the notice of the Vice-Chancellor, who took charge last week, and action will be taken soon.
