MLC M.V.S. Sarma advised students of five-year integrated programmes in engineering of Andhra University who are agitated over the future of their course, to come out with specific demands so that they could be taken up with university authorities.
Mr. Sarma spoke to the students who gathered in front of the office of the principal of AU College of Engineering after boycotting classes for the third day. The students wanted a specific assurance on the validity of the course, following the decision to implement four years plus two years format from this academic year. On Monday they demonstrated in front of the Central Administrative Office and were not convinced even after Vice-Chancellor G.S.N. Raju assured them that their future was not at stake.
Mr. Sarma, after having discussions with principal Ch.V. Ramachandra Murthy and Vice-principal P.S. Avadhani said the present batches of students of third and fourth years could get B.Tech. degree. Since the fourth and fifth year students have already been taught some part of M.Tech. course they could continue with the present course format and the university would see to that they could pursue higher studies and seek employment without any hindrance. AUCE would post on its portal that the course is valid so that any institution and company would not doubt the veracity of the course. It would take about a month to complete the process.
Principal said that it was transition time all over and even the IITs and other institutions running the five-year programmes have to take similar steps as four plus two years course is compulsory now.
Students said their online registrations are being rejected as the course is neither a B.Tech. as such a degree is not being awarded after completing four years of study or a M.Tech. since their period of study is five years in total.
