University panel to review attendance norms for students

Updated on: Tuesday, June 07, 2011

The University of Mumbai has formed a committee to review the policy on attendance for college students. At present, a student must have 75 % attendance in order to appear for the examination. Over the years, students have been crossing swords with their college managements after being debarred from appearing for the final exams. A recent case in point is that of Andheri’s Chinai and MVLU colleges. The fracas between students and management of the colleges had reached such proportions that the state administration had to step in to diffuse the situation.

Sources, however, said the decision to set up the review committee was largely prompted by the university’s plan to implement credit-based rating system for students from this academic year (June). Under the credit system, a student’s performance throughout the duration of the course and not just his/ her final scores will be taken into account. Also, credits will be awarded for the number of hours a student attends class. “Attendance would act as an incentive for students with the credit system. But we need a central committee to keep tabs on how colleges follow the attendance policy,” said a member of the Bombay University and College Teachers’ Union.

The committee, which has already held a meeting to discuss the attendance policy, is of the opinion that colleges are not aware of the rules laid down under ordinances 119, 120 and 125 of the Maharashtra Universities Act. A committee member said, “Colleges are supposed to display defaulters’ list every month, but this is usually not done. Also, most of the classrooms in the city can only accommodate 60-75 students at a time. How can all the students attend a lecture if the class strength is 100-125. We are looking at introducing changes in the policy.”

The changes, said the member, will come into effect from the next academic year. The committee, said sources, may also suggest changes in the minimum attendance required to appear for the final exam. “Under the Maharashtra Universities Act, students participating in cultural activities, sports, etc. can seek relaxation in attendance norm. However, not all colleges follow this and students suffer,” said Ashok Mahajan, a member of the review committee. “We are trying to better the system for students, we don’t want children to suffer.”

University panel to review attendance norms for students

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