BU wants Central College to remain with it

A day after the Legislative Council gave its nod to the Karnataka State Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2013, to facilitate the division of Bangalore University (BU), the century-old Central College campus has become the bone of contention.

Takes exception

Bangalore University has taken exception to the State Government’s decision to let the campus serve as the temporary campus for the new DVG Jnanavahini University for the initial five years. Later on, it will be converted into a “Centre for Excellence”.

Addressing his first press conference here on Tuesday as Vice Chancellor (VC), B. Thimme Gowda said BU (which will function out of the Jananbharathi campus), will request the government to let Central College be with it.

“Let it be converted into a Centre for Excellence, but under the umbrella of BU,” Prof. Gowda said, adding that there was no representation from BU’s side while finalising the division details.

Exam reforms

Listing his plans for the beleaguered varsity, the new VC said a new system of evaluation, similar to the Mangalore University model (where he previously worked), would be put in place.

“Instead of taking the scores of the third evaluation (initiated if there is a difference of over 20 per cent in marks between the first and second rounds of valuation) as final, the average of the nearest two scores will be considered,” he said. The failed digital evaluation system could be re-implemented for objective questions, he added.

He said that the convocation this year could be delayed by two months as it would take time to finalise the chief guest and other details.

Reorganisation

Admitting that the reputation of the university has taken a beating due to the negative publicity it has been receiving, Prof. Gowda said reorganisation in administration was in the pipeline.

“We will undertake the redeployment of persons with integrity. We will not allow ego to come into play while functioning,” he said.

As for past mistakes, he said: “Corrective measures will be taken without victimising anyone.”