Let state decide on faculty for non-UGC courses

There is a dire need of good faculty in several colleges in the city. It will improve education, and stop the exodus of students from the
city to universities abroad. For that to happen, let not the University Grants Commission (UGC) decide the eligibility criteria for courses it does not sponsor. Let faculty qualifications for such courses be decided by the state government. I will be writing to the state government to pursue this matter," said S N Pathan, the vice-chancellor of the RTM Nagpur University. He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Times Edufest 2009 on Friday evening.

The Edufest, held for the second time in the city, is once again proving to be all that it has promised. Open from 5 pm to 10 pm from Friday to Sunday, the fest has free entry and several seminars every day on various topics. In fact, it was already attracting a few eager students even before being officially inaugurated on Friday!

Shown all the arrangements, Pathan said that Edufest was a great opportunity for students in the city to get to know all the options they have. He also gave several suggestions to representatives present at various stalls as he went around.

Meanwhile, this year's Edufest did indeed reflect the mood of the general public of sticking to the traditional careers. Still, there were some courses, which although unheard of earlier, appeared quite lucrative and extremely viable for those who undertook them. For example, there was the post graduate course in hospital administration and management being offered by the Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, which apparently saw 100% placement this year.

There was also a six-month diploma course in event management by the Ramoji International school of Event Management in Hyderabad, which entailed internship in the same city, and even possibly in Ramoji Film City itself! Another was a licensing course in aircraft maintenance engineering. Not only is the course approved by the director general of civil aviation (DGCA) but even the syllabus is drafted by the DGCA. The course was being offered by the Indian Institute of Aeronautical Sciences.

Interestingly, there were also a number of parents browsing the stalls to help their children decide on right career. It's anybody's guess whether this is a healthy trend. One nevertheless has to feel for someone like Babulal Wanjare, a cycle-rickshaw puller, who, along with his friend and grocery shop owner Bhiva Meshram was at the stall of Kingfisher Academy looking for a high-flying career for both their daughters.