CCTV to clean up PG seat selection

BANGALORE: College representatives and Bangalore University officials better be on their best behaviour during the post-graduate seat selection. For, CCTV cameras will capture any hanky-panky, as was alleged last year.
The move follows complaints that many college representatives tried to influence students, with the connivance of university officials, to take courses in their colleges.Some representatives even canvassed for their colleges at the venue.
BU vice-chancellor N Prabhu Dev told TOI the cameras will be installed at four points of the Jnanajyothi auditorium -- counselling area, general area (so no untoward incident takes place), verification zone and entry zone. "The entire process is recorded and can be retrieved. So, if there are any instances of canvassing, they'll be recorded too," he explained.
Further, no college representative will be allowed in the counselling area. "We learnt that last year many of them canvassed for their colleges. The deans will be allowed to give only academic advice. They can verify the credentials and eligibility,'' he said.
The V-C said after a student has selected a seat, the university will collect original documents from her and will hand them over to the principal.
He said CCTV system will be installed in exam and evaluation centres too. "Seven evaluation centres have been identified for this," he added.
In addition to this, wide screens, similar to those used in CET seat selection, will be installed. Every time a student selects a seat, it'll be displayed on them and this will help students know the availability of seats in colleges.
WISER THIS YEAR
The V-C has made arrangements to ensure that counselling doesn't have the same problems like the previous year. This year, the university will not enhance or decrease intake during seat selection. Once the university announces the seat matrix, no change will be implemented. "Ditto with fee structure. Students admitted through PG seat selection will not be denied any facility they are entitled to. If students face any such problem, they can file a complaint,'' he said.
When the rank list is announced, students will get three days' time to file objections and then, the final list is put up. "All developments will be communicated to students through SMS and email,'' the V-C added.
toiblr.reporter@timesgroup.com