Bangalore University (BU) is considering introducing grace marks while tabulating the final results to prevent students from resorting to malpractices to gain passing marks. The syndicate took this decision at a meeting on Friday as a result of the cash-for-marks scam involving distance education that was unearthed recently. The proposal will be sent to the academic council for debate before it is implemented.
Vice-Chancellor (VC) B. Thimme Gowda said, “We propose to give one per cent grace marks for all subjects put together and not more than two per cent grace marks per subject. These grace marks will be borrowed from other subjects where the student has done well. For those who have passed in all subjects but one, three per cent grace marks will be given. This will be applicable both to undergraduate and postgraduate exams. In case a student falls short of the passing mark to apply for the convocation certificate, 0.5 per cent grace marks will be given.” He said all these calculations will be done by evaluators while tabulating the results.
Registrar (Evaluation) Ningegowda K.N. said that BU also plans to scan evaluated answer scripts. “Only the V-C will have access to these scanned scripts. In case someone tries tampering with them, he will be alerted,” he explained.
Also, CCTV cameras will be installed outside sensitive rooms on campus and more permanent employees will be deployed for evaluation work.
Prof. Gowda said the probe into the scam will be handed over to either the Lokayukta or the CID. “The State government had asked us for a report. We will write to the government soon about this decision,” he said, ruling out an internal inquiry. The results of the answer scripts involved in the scam will be withheld, he added.
Under the scannerBU is planning to bring all its employees under the scanner by constituting a committee to asses them on various parameters, including attendance and work efficiency. A former V-C is likely to head the committee, which will have at least three members.
Prof. Gowda mentioned that he had received a report by M.I. Savadatti, former V-C of Mangalore University, on another alleged irregularity involving former Registrar (Evaluation) R K Somashekhar who has been asked to submit an explanation.
