AU suspends admission in three courses in Photography

ALLAHABAD: At a time when the authorities of Allahabad University have decided to start a new PG diploma in Gandhian thoughts, it has turned a blind eye towards two diploma course which was introduced 83 years back.

Because of the shortage of regular teaching faculty, the varsity authorities have decided to temporarily suspend the three courses being conducted at the center of Photography. These courses include one year certificate course in photography and two years diploma in photography. Apart from these, students pursuing B.Sc. and BA courses could have opted for photography.

However, varsity authorities have, for the time being as they claim, have closed all the three courses which had around 300 student pursuing one of the three courses.

Sources inform TOI that AU used to charge additional amount of fee, ranging from Rs 2000 to Rs 1200 and 600, from the students who were enrolled in any of the courses at the center.

The apathy of the center could be gauzed by the fact that varsity did not cared to appoint any regular teaching faculty since 2012, when the last 'teacher in charge' retired.

The two-year diploma in Photography was started way back in 1936 and since then several students have trained.

"We have decided to close admissions in the three courses because of the fact that there are no regular teaching faculties for the students", said head of the department of Physics, Prof A K Rai. The day, regular faculty members are appointed by the varsity, the courses would again start, he added.

The reason, for closing down the courses, as mentioned by the HOD hold lose ground owning to the fact that presently, varsity has over 500 vacant teaching positions and the classes, in almost every department or center, are being taken by the guest faculty. In this center, two guest faculties used to take the classes, till recently.

"This was one course where students used to give additional fee to the varsity and moreover, the two courses were high in demand and used to fetch employment to the students as soon as they pass, still the courses are closed", said the source, on condition of anonymity. While no fresh admission would be done for the courses, the enrolled students have been attached with the department of mass communication and journalism till the time they finish their course, he added.

Prof Rai added, "University is sensitive towards the welfare of the students and we hope soon varsity would appoint regular teachers, as per the vacancy and the courses would again start at the center".