Calcutta University to Grant Academic Autonomy to Affiliated PG Colleges
In a significant move for higher education in Kolkata, Calcutta University (CU) has decided to grant academic autonomy to its affiliated colleges that offer postgraduate (PG) programs. This decision comes after newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Asutosh Ghosh met with principals from 25 such colleges and acknowledged their long-standing demands for greater independence.
Addressing Student Parity and Discrimination
The initiative aims to eliminate discrimination between students enrolled in CU's main departments and those studying in affiliated colleges. For years, college principals have argued that their PG students faced academic disadvantages under the centralized system.
"We are considering the matter as we feel all these demands are valid," stated Vice-Chancellor Asutosh Ghosh. "There needs to be parity. Students' interests should be prioritised through this system, and it was there in the university system and needs to be reinstated."
Ghosh confirmed that the matter has been primarily decided and will be presented to the university syndicate by the end of this month for formal approval.
What Autonomy Will Entail
The 45 CU-affiliated colleges offering PG courses—including prominent institutions like Lady Brabourne College, Asutosh College, and Scottish Church College—will regain several academic freedoms they previously enjoyed before 2018:
- Setting their own question papers for examinations
- Evaluating answer scripts independently
- Conducting their own admissions processes
- Having representatives included in the PG Board of Studies
Despite these new autonomies, students will remain officially registered under Calcutta University, maintaining the institution's oversight and degree-granting authority.
College Principals Welcome the Decision
College administrators have enthusiastically welcomed the university's decision, citing numerous instances where their students faced discrimination under the previous system.
"Many of our students said earlier that their friends were asked not to share class materials with them, and they faced discrimination repeatedly," revealed one principal who chose to remain anonymous. "The paper setters prepare questions based on classroom teaching at CU, but they do not consider these students. This situation should change to create a healthy academic environment."
Siuli Sarkar, principal of Lady Brabourne College, expressed her approval: "This is a welcome decision by the university. The new VC has taken a very positive step towards providing academic autonomy to the PG courses run in colleges. If we are allowed to hold our own admissions, then we can select students based on our own parameters."
Manas Kabi, principal of Asutosh College, highlighted the academic disparity: "PG students on CU campuses get an idea of the question pattern while attending classes, but our students don't, which affects their results."
Historical Context and Implementation
Before the implementation of the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in 2018, affiliated colleges enjoyed greater independence in conducting examinations and evaluating answer scripts. The subsequent centralization of these processes created the inequalities that the current decision seeks to rectify.
To ensure parity moving forward, Calcutta University will implement several measures:
- College representatives will be included in the CU Board of Studies
- Examination results will be declared uniformly across all institutions
- A framework will be established to maintain academic standards while allowing institutional flexibility
This move represents a significant shift in Calcutta University's approach to postgraduate education, potentially serving as a model for other universities grappling with similar challenges in balancing centralized oversight with institutional autonomy.
