L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Varsities as teaching shops

On the HRD Ministry’s decision to de-recognise 44 out of 130 universities enjoying the deemed status the editorial “Deemed varsity status: De-recognition must protect students’ future” (Jan 20) rightly expressed concern for nearly two lakh students pursuing courses in these institutions. This ugly situation has developed since these institutions have been found lacking in infrastructure, as well as expertise and their undesirable management architecture as families rather than professionals are running these institutions.

There are clear signs of nepotism and corruption in these deemed universities. It is well known that educational institutions are seen as money spinners. These institutions considered the “deemed” tag as only a licence for profiteering through the sale of education. Courses with fanciful names, which did not help students, were offered and there was no attempt to promote excellence and research which was an important aim of the plan to create these universities.

It is a shame that a country that wants to improve the standards of higher education and become a knowledge superpower has found itself in such a mess. The decision should mark the beginning of cleansing of the system and those responsible for irregularities should be brought to book.

To thwart such abuse in future, the Supreme Court should direct the government to lay down stringent guidelines and conduct a probe into indiscriminate approvals granted to institutions which are being de-recognised and punish the guilty.

DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh

II

The HRD Ministry has taken a wise decision to de-recognise 44 out of 130 deemed universities. Surely, the deemed university status was granted to some educational institutions which excelled in the quality of higher education being imparted to students. But soon thousands of teaching shops mushroomed throughout the country with the main aim of minting money. By greasing the palms of some corrupt UGC officials, these shops managed to get the status of the deemed universities and became business centres.

A majority of such deemed universities do not have the required infrastructure and expertise needed for higher learning.

In fact the system of deemed universities should be abolished altogether as recommended by the Prof Yashpal Committee to Advise on Renovation and Rejuvenation of Higher Education and the National Knowledge Commission.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

III

The quality of education in deemed universities has gone down, as these institutions have become an industry with the prime purpose of minting money. The idea behind deemed universities was to reduce the burden on main universities. However, the quality of education should not be compromised at any cost as knowledge is power.

It seems that after recognition, there has not been proper monitoring and inspection of the infrastructure resulting in the de-recognition move. Those responsible for irregularities must be brought to book.

HARISH K. MONGA, Ferozepur

Educate all

The Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik deserves praise for putting “Chhotu” in school (Column, Chatterati “Patnaik’s gesture” by Devi Cherian, Jan 11). The gesture shows his kindness towards poor children. However, the CM belongs to entire Orissa. So why single out one Chhotu for preferential treatment?

All under-privileged children who cannot make it to school for obvious reasons should be sent to school. Mr Patnaik must formulate a policy where all “Chhotus” are able to attend school. Education is the best way to eradicate poverty.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

Landmark verdict KN Bhat in his article, “Court vs court: The Supreme Court needs wholesome advice” (Jan 18) has critically and exhaustively analysed the implications of the judgement of the Delhi High Court on the Right to Information Act. It is a landmark judgment not only on the RTI Act but also on the intra-judiciary relations. The four judges who dealt with the case are certainly men of impeccable character, unparalleled competence and exceptional courage. In the first instance, the Supreme Court did falter by becoming a petitioner before a lower court. Secondly, it ignored the advice tendered by former CJI JS Verma to accept the judgement with grace and not to take up the matter in appeal. The writer has rightly observed: “The public is entitled to know why and on what criteria someone is appointed and another is overlooked — to the naked eyes of laymen, often both the selections as well as rejections look horribly wrong.” Though the High Court on request has certified that the case was fit one to appeal to the Supreme Court, yet the latter would be adding grace to its august status if it doesn’t become plaintiff before itself. LAJPAT RAI GARG, Panchkula