Dehradun, April 14
The decision to accord Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNB) the status of central university has brought about some gains for the people of the state who may now face the prospects of shrinking academic and job opportunities.

In the changed situation, not only is the state set to lose a university under its jurisdiction but it has also to tackle the problem of according affiliation to 189 degree and postgraduate colleges that will be on their own once the central university snaps ties with them.

As per the guidelines, on becoming a central university, a constitutionally mandated policy and admission criteria in consonance with the ministry of human resource development will be followed.

As such, the state reservation policy will not apply to those seeking admission and even employment in the teaching and non-teaching departments. Besides, the state government has to address the problem of affiliation of 189 colleges previously affiliated to the Garhwal university.

No wonder then a demand is now gaining ground for another state university at one of the Garhwal university campuses. “As modalities for the central university are still being worked out, the colleges will continue to be affiliated with the erstwhile HNB Garhwal University.

“We have constituted a committee under Prof Annapaurana Nautiyal to look into the matter and the government has been made aware it. The affiliation of colleges is just a temporary arrangement,” said Prof SK Singh, VC, HNB Garhwal University.

Among the alternatives being discussed is converting Swami Tirath campus at Badshahi Thauli (Tehri) into a state university. “It is the prerogative of the government to work out the modalities; we will continue to play a supportive role.

“I admit that local admission aspirants may be resentful as they may have now to face stiff competition from outsiders, but then that is precisely what the aim of central university is. “We are building islands of excellence without compromising on quality. We have no objection to colleges waiting to get affiliated with us but they need to maintain certain standards.

“ However, the state may gain tremendously in terms of building academic resources and even emerge a frontline state in the field of environment and resource management,” explained Prof Singh.

The university is keen to continue with the courses and then proceed with more contemporary and modern studies in biotechnology and microbiology and specialisation courses in engineering and medicine. The central degree regulatory bodies and other academic bodies would then regulate these courses.

The future of the university campuses, especially at Tehri, is uncertain. A central university can have campuses in the range of 30 km, but while the Birla campus and Pauri campus meet the criteria, Swami Ram Tirath campus at Tehri is 100 km away from the university.

“In all probability, the campus location is not as per central university norms. In the fitness of things it should be converted into a state university,” said Rakesh Rayal, lecturer in mass communication.

The campus has been conducting self-financed courses. Among a host of courses, BEd and B. Pharma courses are to be axed once the central university starts functioning. “We have been subject to step-motherly treatment from the very beginning. Of the Rs 1.95 crore sanctioned for the three campuses in the last academic session, the campus received only Rs 18 lakh.

“A movement is gaining ground that in order to protect the future of scores of students undertaking these courses, the campus should be converted into a full- fledged university as it is located centrally and has the required infrastructure,” said Rakesh Rayal.

While the state government sets up and supervises the functioning of the university, no norms have been laid for setting up colleges. Uttarakhand has so far not drafted an education policy.

“Colleges that are responsible for shaping the future of technocrats and administrators lack basic infrastructure and are without teachers. The problem is worse in the hills where there is no infrastructure. Hopefully, we expect a concerted effort in this direction,” said Dr DR Purohit of HNB Garhwal University (Srinagar).

There is no doubt that the central university will help place higher education on fast track on which the state had tripped so far, but academicians say students will have to compete hard to get a foothold in the university.

“Despite several efforts, admissions were never streamlined; anybody could gain admission through the back door. All this is set to change. The state has not been able to address the problem of brain-drain. With the coming up of a central university, brilliant students will no longer have to move out,” said Dr Mangal Singh Mandarwal, general secretary, HNB Garhwal University Employees and Non-Teaching Staff Association.

Even for gaining employment in teaching and non-teaching departments, there will be competition. The standards for selecting and promoting lectures and professors will be streamlined. “Now there will be proper criteria for selection of lecturers and professors for which advertisements will be carried by the central government. Earlier, lecturers indulged in political activities without worrying about taking classes. All this will come to an end,” said Dr Mandarwal. 

Dehradun, April 14
Craft Mela organised by Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation concluded here yesterday. The organisers were happy with the response they got from the city.

“The response we got here was satisfactory. We have got an idea about people’s taste here and in future will get items according to their taste,” said Karuna Karan, incharge at the fair.

As compared to expensive sculptures and paintings, people mostly liked low priced items such as imitation jewellery, silk, cotton and chikan embroided suits and saris. “People appreciated the exclusive metal, stone, wooden sculptures and Tanjore paintings, but the sale was comparatively less as compared to handicraft and textile items,” said Karuna.

“Sale of my paintings was average, but still I am happy that people appreciated my creativity and got to know about our culture,” said Loganathan, an artist.

Doonites enjoyed the mela and purchased everything from pattachitra paintings, pearls, Kanchipuram silk, cotton saris to suits. “Items displayed at the fair were unique and it’s nice to know about their culture. And we are happy that everything was available under one roof,” said Meenakshi, a visitor.

“Women here are very fond of jewellery, and sale of my semi-precious stone jewellery was excellent. I will come here again,” said Vikram, jewellery designer.

With a good response and appreciation for their art and culture, Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation plans to display their handicraft here with a gap of six months with more variety.