The posts of Registrar, CoE and IDE Directors of many State Universities are currently held by officers ‘in charge’; This goes against norms and can lead to corruption, say experts
Many State Universities are currently functioning with Registrar in-charge and Controller of Examinations (COE).
The Vice Chancellor, Registrar and CoE are the three most important officials of a University. Senior teachers say that neither the post of registrar nor CoE in most of the state universities has been mandatorily filled by the University Grants Commission norms.
As of today, 14 universities in the state, including Anna University, apart from law and teacher education universities, function without full-time registrars. The post of controller of examination in 12 universities is being held by a professor as the post in charge. In Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, as per its website, there is no COE post. Only Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University and Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University have appointed a Regular Registrar and a CoE. Except Medical University, Veterinary and Law University, all other universities have an in-charge COE.
SP Thiagarajan, former VC of Madras University, explained, “These are important positions in the university system that effectively support the VC in discharging his day-to-day functions.” He said that important officials to maintain the quality of the university are trained hands appointed by a selection committee who evaluate the candidates on the basis of their merit. He said that the persons appointed to these posts are also trained by the national bodies to improve their capabilities, which necessitates regular appointments.
Former VC of Anna University E. Balagurusamy said that as the president of the syndicate, the VC is responsible for the appointment. “The Registrar and the CoE have powers to act independently. But when a person is given only a temporary charge, it can give rise to corruption.” The Anna University statutes are unique in that VCs appoint these officers. He said the appointments should follow the rules.
These teachers say that it is the duty of the university’s apex body Syndicate to question the VC on such appointments.
Prof Thiagarajan said that the National Education Policy 2020 had recommended significant reforms in the governance of universities. He said that till the time NEP is not operational, universities are bound by the UGC norms which have been adopted by the state.
Pro. Balagurusamy said, “If a VC needs to act honestly, there has to be a regular registrar and CoE. VCs can manipulate the working of the institution by appointing their own men. If the syndicate discharges its functions honestly, there will be no corruption.”
Distance education program also suffers from a similar situation. This has resulted in several points-for-money scams, he pointed out.
Former President of Association of University Teachers K. According to Pandian, “In-charge syndrome in universities is a double whammy because recruited teachers put aside their teaching work and research, if any, and are unable to judge the additional positions they hold. Above all, it perpetuates a culture of corruption.”
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