Furore in JU over council decision taken 9 months ago

Syed Amjad Shah

JAMMU, Nov 27: Nine months after the council resolution order changed the hierarchy within Jammu University, it has raised eyebrows. The resentment among the faculty members erupted over the 'abolition' of post of pro-chancellor and more powers the post of 'Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning'.

According to order of council resolution 67-119 notified by the University of Jammu vide notification number 2 of 2008 on November, 17, 2008 the post of 'Pro-Chancellor' has not been maintained in the new hierarchy of administration. Faculty members alleged that undue powers have been given to 'Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning' in decision making and administration demanded its revocation and rescind.

Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA) in a general body meeting today criticised the decision and averred that 'Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning' cannot be above the conveners of the boards, Deans as well as other administrative bodies like Dean Academic Affairs (DAA), Registrar, Controller of Examinations and the Heads, Directors or any other such equivalent positions.

JUTA members further appealed that the 'Centre for Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning' should be a facilitating body and not an executing body of planning and management. Various speakers alleged that the said centre has been made to work as a 'super-structure' above all the existing bodies of the varsity against the Kashmir and Jammu Universities Act 1969.

The JUTA members also resolved that the responsibilities to be fixed for not routing the draft statute through various bodies of the university resulting in stark and gross violation of the academic norms and dignity of the teachers.The resolution was adopted with a request to the Chancellor of the varsity to rescind the above said council resolution with immediate effect.

The teacher's community has also been supported by some student organisations, including Sangharsh and Progressive Students Association (PSA).Sangharsh today staged a protest and extended its full support to Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA). While talking to Kashmir Times, JUTA president, Prof Tripathi maintained that "we would work according to the aspirations of faculty members who have elected the office bearers of JUTA".

He informed that tomorrow they are going to organise a march from the University campus to the Governor House to submit a memorandum before him and highlight their demands. According to the official hand out from the University of Jammu it has been mentioned that 'Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning' responsible for review and monitoring of new and existing quality initiatives and planning of new projects.

The Quality Assurance unit works as an in-house consultant suggesting and working out strategic interventions to bring in an element of efficiency in the systems and processes, the statement said.

"The Centre is not another hierarchical structure, record keeper or an administrative arm but a unit for ushering in an era of 'Total Quality Management' through planning and monitoring process. With these initiatives the University has been able to transform the University into an institution with a culture of transparency, accountability, self-evaluation and continual improvement for enhanced stakeholder focus and participation", the handout clarified.