For no additional fee, LU proposes to centralise college admissions

Lucknow: Lucknow University has proposed its affiliated govt and aided colleges to be part of centralised admission process in which it will not charge any additional fee. It was also proposed to convert girls' degree colleges struggling to fill undergraduate and postgraduate seats to be converted into co- educational institutions. The proposal was made during a meeting of LU vice-chancellor Prof J P Saini with principals of affilliated colleges on Tuesday. The meeting aimed to strengthen academic, administrative and research collaboration between the university and colleges. During the meeting, it was decided that colleges will be prepared for highest degree of autonomy in accordance with National Education Policy 2020. Teachers will be invited to workshops to encourage them to adopt curriculum-conscious, student-friendly pedagogy."University has proposed admissions for aided colleges and govt colleges to be integrated with the university's process. Due to limited seats on university campus, a large number of students are unable to secure admission, so they would be given opportunities in affilliated and aided colleges," said Prof Mukul Srivastava, LU spokesperson.He said that as per arrangement, university would not charge additional fees and colleges would conduct the admission process on their own and Vice-Chancellor Saini had given principals 10 days to consider the process. Another decision taken was that college departments would be recognised as research centres, providing departments with full support from the university and provide new direction for research work. A committee formed by the university will oversee the establishment of research centers. Saini clarified communication between university and colleges would remain active and he would meet college principals every six months. The concern of undergraduate and postgraduate seats in colleges falling vacant was also discussed during the meeting. It was stated that girls' colleges in particular were experiencing a decline in number of female students. It was suggested that such colleges be converted to co-education to provide more opportunities for female students.Meanwhile, it was announced that LU's ranking cell will organise joint workshops with aided and govt colleges to prepare for NAAC and NIRF rankings. The workshops will provide guidance to colleges on quality standards, evaluation processes and ranking requirements. Additionally, the university will ensure that all colleges present their academic achievements, research work and student-friendly activities in accordance with the ranking standards.