Kolar, August 16: The Government College for Boys in Kolar has taken steps to bring in discipline among students and lecturers following a recent visit by the Lokayukta Y. Bhaskar Rao to the institution.
Mr. Bhaskar Rao expressed dissatisfaction over the reported absence of faculty members as well as thin attendance of students when he paid a surprise visit to the college on July 29.
The Lokayukta’s ire has resulted in the college authorities and the government taking steps to restore discipline in the college.
Meanwhile, the Department of Collegiate Education has decided to install biometric attendance system for lecturers in all first grade colleges in the State following the Lokayukta’s finding.
As against the Lokayukta’s finding that 53 of the 58 lecturers of the college were either absent or did not attend classes that day, sources in the college say that most of the lecturers were not allowed inside the college when the Lokayukta was there and hence, they could not sign in the register causing embarrassment to all concerned.
However, this stirred up a discussion in academic circles, and on the directions of the Lokayukta to the Higher Education Department and the Department of Collegiate Education, it has been decided to introduce biometric attendance for lecturers.
Timetable
Earlier, classes were being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This was to accommodate students from rural areas, college principal G. Venkatesh told The Hindu.
However, with the Lokayukta taking objection, the timetable was redrawn based on the University Grants Commission norms, the principal said. Now, classes will be held from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, he said.
It was now mandatory for lecturers to sign in the attendance register by 10 a.m., the principal said.
To reign in students
The indiscipline among students was blamed for the dwindling quality of education in the college. Collection of examination fees in the beginning of the academic year has reportedly contributed to a greater extent of absenteeism among students.
Intervention by outsiders was also blamed for the indiscipline on the campus. Several people had obtained admission to avail themselves of the benefit of bus pass, it was said.
To instil discipline, the authorities have introduced several steps, including a weekly assembly on Thursdays. The first such assembly was held on August 8 and about 60 per cent students attended it.
Steps are also being taken to create awareness about compulsory attendance as per Bangalore University guidelines.
