Nagpur University's 38th vice-chancellor Vilas Sapkal believes that the 87-year-old institution has huge potential to grow into one of the best in the country. He believes that the varsity employees are keen to take it to the top and are ready to work in this direction. According to him, Nagpur University, which has produced many stalwarts, has the necessary infrastructure and resources and now it's up to his entire team to deliver. He, however, admitted that proposed development would not take place overnight and will have to be done in phases. In an exclusive talk with TOI, the IIT-Bombay alumnus spoke at length on variety of issues and his plans. Officiating registrar Mahesh Yenkie and officiating controller of examinations (CoE) P S Kane also chipped with in their views.
Q: How was your one month in office?
A: It was fantastic. I met with all the officials, teachers and other staff. We discussed the present position, the drawbacks and ways to improve the situation. All of them are supportive and wanted to do something for this institution. Nagpur University can become one of the best in the country. For most of the month we were busy in conducting senate polls. After all, whatever work we do is for the sake of the students and I sincerely believe in teamwork.
Q: On your first day, you said that your priority would be exams. Now, what steps you planned to streamline the system as results are still getting delayed?
A: The winter exams results are slightly delayed as none of the statutory bodies were present and top posts were being taken care of on officiating basis. But now, we've conducted a series of meetings to find out loopholes in the system and plug them. We're contemplating using computerisation in all exam work which will expedite the process. There is a huge shortage of valuators and therefore we're also sending answer-sheets outside the university for checking. In fact, we've prepared a time-bound programme and even planned for forthcoming summer exams. Exam work will always be our priority.
Q: The degree certificates of lakhs of students right from 2007-08 batches are not ready. Many of them, especially pursuing their education abroad, are facing problems.
A: It is indeed a serious issue and we need to work on war footing to solve it. I can understand the plight of students going abroad. According to the controller of exams, the certificates till year 2008 are completed. We're also outsourcing this work for expediting the entire process. We're just as concerned about this as are the students.
Q: NU has failed to conduct board of studies (BoS) polls which is affecting all works.
A: Though we're late, but we're not alone. Even Mumbai and Pune universities are conducting this process now. It's true that unless it is constituted, other statutory bodies would take time to get formed. We've fixed April 28 as date for conducting BoS polls.
Q: NU's syllabus for a majority of courses, including engineering, has not been changed since many years.
A: As per UGC norms, every year, the curriculum should changed by at least 20%. This is so that in five years, it should change completely. Unfortunately, it didn't happen in the past. We will be doing this from next academic session and also try to implement semester system in first year engineering and other courses as per UGC recommendations. I am using my special power under the Acts for appointing guides for doctoral degree thesis.
Q: NU is the only university in state where choice-based credit system (CBCS), recommended globally, is not implemented.
A: You will be surprised to know that I was the chairman of panel who created the framework of CBCS as per AICTE guidelines in AU. Here too, we will implement CBCS not only in the post graduate courses but also engineering faculty.
Q: What about large-scale vacancies in NU which are severely affecting the work?
A: It's disheartening to see that huge vacancies are adding to the burden. But they are actually not in our hands as the government sanctions it. We've already started efforts in this direction with giving advertisement for the posts in LIT. We've prepared a timetable about vacancies and how to fill them. Presently, we have tremendous shortage of class A, B and C candidates which is definitely adding to our burden.
Q: What about appointments of pro-VC, registrar and CoE?
A: At present, we're extremely busy with constituting various statutory bodies like senate, management and academic council. Unless BoS polls are conducted, it will not be possible. I am also reviewing all things. I would like to take my time before appointing pro-VC. As far as registrar and CoE are concerned, though they are in officiating capacities, they are doing wonderful job just like full-timers. We will not like to disturb the system and will consider providing them extension if required.
Q: You said that you'll promote research activities in NU.
A: We've already started efforts and will think of increasing provision for research in the NU budget. I've also met with all department heads regarding this.
Q: Initially you said that your focus would be using information technology and communication engineering (ICTE).
A: Yes, it is the need of the hour. We will start from computerising exam section. Our focus will be on total computerisation of NU.
Q: What about various scams which took place earlier?
A: We have reports on the scams and will consult with the state government on it. If anybody is found guilty, they would certainly face action. No one is above law and nobody will be spared.
Q: Your views on the government's move to transfer 160 NU employees on yet to be formed Gondwana university.
A: They had informed us that we have excess class D employees who would be shifted there. But at present, it's only on paper and nothing concrete has emerged out so far. We'll see to it once it actually happens.
Q: What about encroachments over NU's 70-acre land?
A: We're in talks with the district government pleader for lifting the stay given by the lower court on many injunctions filed by the encroachers. We'll also be building a compound wall around the land which is free from encroachment.
Q: What are your immediate plans?
A: With mega projects like Mihan coming in the city, it will create huge requirement of young professionals. We will be framing courses related to this project where individuals with specialised skills would be needed. Additionally, we will be expediting process of our administrative block to come up in the area of 44-acre which we got back from the state government. It will be ground plus three or four, but it will have all offices under one roof, including a convocation hall, if possible. It will be built by state PWD and we're in talks with them as well. Presently, scattered premises which are spread out at seven campuses are creating many problems. The new building will have all the modern and hi-tech facilities.
Q: How was your one month in office?
A: It was fantastic. I met with all the officials, teachers and other staff. We discussed the present position, the drawbacks and ways to improve the situation. All of them are supportive and wanted to do something for this institution. Nagpur University can become one of the best in the country. For most of the month we were busy in conducting senate polls. After all, whatever work we do is for the sake of the students and I sincerely believe in teamwork.
Q: On your first day, you said that your priority would be exams. Now, what steps you planned to streamline the system as results are still getting delayed?
A: The winter exams results are slightly delayed as none of the statutory bodies were present and top posts were being taken care of on officiating basis. But now, we've conducted a series of meetings to find out loopholes in the system and plug them. We're contemplating using computerisation in all exam work which will expedite the process. There is a huge shortage of valuators and therefore we're also sending answer-sheets outside the university for checking. In fact, we've prepared a time-bound programme and even planned for forthcoming summer exams. Exam work will always be our priority.
Q: The degree certificates of lakhs of students right from 2007-08 batches are not ready. Many of them, especially pursuing their education abroad, are facing problems.
A: It is indeed a serious issue and we need to work on war footing to solve it. I can understand the plight of students going abroad. According to the controller of exams, the certificates till year 2008 are completed. We're also outsourcing this work for expediting the entire process. We're just as concerned about this as are the students.
Q: NU has failed to conduct board of studies (BoS) polls which is affecting all works.
A: Though we're late, but we're not alone. Even Mumbai and Pune universities are conducting this process now. It's true that unless it is constituted, other statutory bodies would take time to get formed. We've fixed April 28 as date for conducting BoS polls.
Q: NU's syllabus for a majority of courses, including engineering, has not been changed since many years.
A: As per UGC norms, every year, the curriculum should changed by at least 20%. This is so that in five years, it should change completely. Unfortunately, it didn't happen in the past. We will be doing this from next academic session and also try to implement semester system in first year engineering and other courses as per UGC recommendations. I am using my special power under the Acts for appointing guides for doctoral degree thesis.
Q: NU is the only university in state where choice-based credit system (CBCS), recommended globally, is not implemented.
A: You will be surprised to know that I was the chairman of panel who created the framework of CBCS as per AICTE guidelines in AU. Here too, we will implement CBCS not only in the post graduate courses but also engineering faculty.
Q: What about large-scale vacancies in NU which are severely affecting the work?
A: It's disheartening to see that huge vacancies are adding to the burden. But they are actually not in our hands as the government sanctions it. We've already started efforts in this direction with giving advertisement for the posts in LIT. We've prepared a timetable about vacancies and how to fill them. Presently, we have tremendous shortage of class A, B and C candidates which is definitely adding to our burden.
Q: What about appointments of pro-VC, registrar and CoE?
A: At present, we're extremely busy with constituting various statutory bodies like senate, management and academic council. Unless BoS polls are conducted, it will not be possible. I am also reviewing all things. I would like to take my time before appointing pro-VC. As far as registrar and CoE are concerned, though they are in officiating capacities, they are doing wonderful job just like full-timers. We will not like to disturb the system and will consider providing them extension if required.
Q: You said that you'll promote research activities in NU.
A: We've already started efforts and will think of increasing provision for research in the NU budget. I've also met with all department heads regarding this.
Q: Initially you said that your focus would be using information technology and communication engineering (ICTE).
A: Yes, it is the need of the hour. We will start from computerising exam section. Our focus will be on total computerisation of NU.
Q: What about various scams which took place earlier?
A: We have reports on the scams and will consult with the state government on it. If anybody is found guilty, they would certainly face action. No one is above law and nobody will be spared.
Q: Your views on the government's move to transfer 160 NU employees on yet to be formed Gondwana university.
A: They had informed us that we have excess class D employees who would be shifted there. But at present, it's only on paper and nothing concrete has emerged out so far. We'll see to it once it actually happens.
Q: What about encroachments over NU's 70-acre land?
A: We're in talks with the district government pleader for lifting the stay given by the lower court on many injunctions filed by the encroachers. We'll also be building a compound wall around the land which is free from encroachment.
Q: What are your immediate plans?
A: With mega projects like Mihan coming in the city, it will create huge requirement of young professionals. We will be framing courses related to this project where individuals with specialised skills would be needed. Additionally, we will be expediting process of our administrative block to come up in the area of 44-acre which we got back from the state government. It will be ground plus three or four, but it will have all offices under one roof, including a convocation hall, if possible. It will be built by state PWD and we're in talks with them as well. Presently, scattered premises which are spread out at seven campuses are creating many problems. The new building will have all the modern and hi-tech facilities.
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