State varsities likely to go hi-tech

PATNA: Universities in Bihar are likely to go hi-tech soon with the proposed computerisation of their examinations. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the vice-chancellors and other officials of all the universities held here on Sunday at Nalanda Open University. Governor R S Gavai chaired the meeting. Ways and means to streamline university examinations and maintain the academic calendars were discussed at length and it was decided to computerise the examination system of all the universities completely. A Mumbai-based firm also demonstrated its software for examinations which was highly appreciated by the VCs. Nalanda Open University (NOU) also displayed its examination software on the occasion. This software has helped NOU considerably in maintaining its examination schedule. Stressing the need of regularising all the university examinations by March, 2007, Gavai tried to ascertain the specific constraints relating to examinations and academic sessions from each VC individually and directed them to take necessary steps for regularising teaching and examinations. He clearly told the VCs that the academic calendars of the universities should spell out the exact dates of commencement of examinations and publication of results. In no case, the VCs would extend the dates of examinations as mentioned in the academic calendar. Only the chancellor would be authorised to change the date of examination in some exceptional circumstances. The meeting was attended by the registrars and controllers of examinations of all the universities. UGC team visit: A team of the UGC officials, led by its secretary and regional director, would be visiting Patna on Monday to assess the utilisation of grants sanctioned to different universities during the 10th Plan period and release the remaining grants. The team would meet Patna University (PU) officials at Raj Bhawan on Monday.