Mangalore University Implements Strict Safety Certification for College Affiliation
Mangalore University has introduced a crucial new requirement for colleges seeking affiliation. Starting this academic year, all institutions must obtain mandatory fire safety and building safety certificates before receiving university approval.
Safety Violation Sparks Policy Discussion
The university's General Academic Council discussed this issue in detail during their second meeting on Saturday. The discussion gained urgency after officials discovered a concerning situation. A college offering fire and safety management courses had relocated its operations to a different building without obtaining proper university approval.
This institution failed to secure the required safety certificates. It also neglected to apply for permission to operate from its new premises. University officials conducted an inspection and confirmed these violations.
Irony in Safety Course College Lacking Certificates
MU Vice-Chancellor P L Dharma, who chaired the meeting, highlighted the ironic nature of this case. A college teaching fire and safety management in Kankanady could not produce the very certificates it should understand best. The college had moved from its original location to a commercial building.
College representatives informed the university they had applied for the necessary certificates but had not received them yet. Vice-Chancellor Dharma made the university's position absolutely clear. No college will receive affiliation without presenting these mandatory certifications.
Financial Concerns and Government Stance
Dharma acknowledged that compliance with these safety norms involves significant financial expenditure. Some colleges have approached the state government requesting withdrawal of these mandatory certification rules. However, the government has firmly stated these safety requirements are non-negotiable.
The university currently has approximately 160 affiliated colleges. During the same meeting, officials granted affiliation to four new colleges for the current academic year. One application faced rejection due to insufficient infrastructure.
New Course Proposals and Environmental Initiative
Many colleges have submitted proposals to introduce new courses. Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) programs account for the majority of these requests. The university continues to evaluate these proposals while maintaining its safety standards.
Separately, Mangalore University has made environmental progress on its Konaje campus. Over the past nine months, students and staff have planted 600 saplings through the 'Plant Saplings on Birthdays' campaign.
Vice-Chancellor Dharma explained this initiative encourages postgraduate students to plant a sapling on their birthday at a campus location of their choice. Students nurture their saplings throughout their course duration. When they graduate, they pass this responsibility to junior students, creating a sustainable green legacy.
