The syndicate of Mahatma Gandhi University has issued a warning to the principal in-charge of Maharaja's College in Ernakulam after it was found that a former SFI secretary, P M Arsho, was promoted to the seventh semester of an integrated MA programme despite having only 10% attendance in the sixth semester. The irregularity came to light following a complaint lodged by the Save University Committee with the chancellor's office.
Initial Misinformation
Principal in-charge Shajila Beevi S had initially informed the university that the student had sufficient attendance to warrant promotion. However, a subsequent report from the college revealed that 27 days of attendance had been granted on account of union activities, exceeding the permissible limit of 15 days under programme regulations. This discrepancy raised serious concerns about the administration's handling of attendance records.
Syndicate Decision
The syndicate, which convened on May 20, acknowledged a lapse on the part of the principal but opted for a lenient approach, issuing only a reminder to exercise greater caution in the future. This decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, with the Kerala Students Union (KSU) unit of Maharaja's College calling it inadequate and demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. They have urged the authorities to take strict action against all those responsible for the violation.
Demand for Further Action
The Save University Committee has escalated the issue, appealing to the chief minister and the higher education minister to remove Beevi from her post and initiate disciplinary proceedings. The committee alleges that she deliberately submitted misleading information to the chancellor's office, thereby compromising the integrity of the academic process. The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about the management of student attendance and the influence of union activities in educational institutions.
