MLAs yet to be appointed as university members

JAIPUR: The delay in cabinet formation is costing higher education dearly. All 24 state varsities are awaiting the newly formed government to appoint two MLAs as syndicate body members in each of them. Every university is awaiting the appointment of its syndicate members to get the approval on new courses, exam dates, the release of finance etc.

A total of 48 MLAs of the ruling party is required to fill the posts. It is a mammoth task for the government who has look for those MLAs who can influence the policies and programmes which suits their party ideology. The model code of conduct may have lifted but it continues in the varsity as the administration is yet to function.

Syndicate is an apex body which is responsible for taking all decisions. The body can function without its MLAs by meeting the minimum quorum as per their acts but the fear of objection by them prevents them to hold any such meeting in their absence. "The university is all set to introduce three new courses and rise in the fees by 10%. It is awaiting the syndicate node which has not taken place due to polls. I sure that government will appoint an MLA who understands the higher education scenario," said a registrar of a state varsity in Jaipur.

Over the years, the MLAs have been very vocal about pitching their views. The outgoing syndicate member of RU and former MLA from Kishanpole Mohanlal Gupta played a major role in the departure of former VC Dev Swaroop. Gupta has left no stone unturned to place the decisions which suits his party ideology. Explaining the influence of MLAs in the varsity, former head of department of Sociology, Rajiv Gupta says, "Gupta had changed the course of history by introducing a book claiming Maharana Pratap defeated Mughal Emperor Akhbar in the curriculam. He also added a subject Vansawali to press the agenda which suits his party interest. Also, not to forget how then MLA Pratap Singh Kachriyawas insulted the former VC BL Sharma."

Until universities are dependent on the state for funds the MLAs will continue to have its government are vital, especially when the government changes. "At first place, i dont think that MLAs should be made part of the syndicate as it should be an academic body," said RP Yadav, former VC Rajasthan Technical University.