B-schools fail UGC test

Hyderabad: Students aspiring for Business school seats are in a fix. Till date, the business schools across the state were recognised by AICTE and had no affiliation with any state university.

However, with AICTE being replaced by the UGC, there is uncertainty over their recognition. B-schools offer Post Graduate Diploma in Management, which, as per UGC norms, is not allowed and only degrees such as MBA have to be offered. Some B-schools have now planned to approach the Supreme Court against the UGC’s regulation.

Unless the Union HRD ministry and the UGC give clarity over the issue, B-school admissions are likely to be delayed.

Though there are 839 MBA colleges in the state, the demand for seats in about 50 B-schools is more due to various reasons.

“B-schools offer better placement opportunities than university affiliated MBA colleges. Due to autonomy in syllabus in evaluation, they have devised methods to suit the needs of the international business environment. However, with UGC taking control, we are confused whether to opt for B-schools or not. The UGC should clarify whether B-schools will continue to function independently or come under the jurisdiction of universities,” said P. Ram Prasad, a B-school aspirant.

“UGC rules state that all management institutions should function under universities. If it is implemented, we cannot offer PGDM courses. If that happens, there will be no difference between a B-school and a normal MBA school. The government should immediately clarify these issues, else we will be forced to move the Supreme Court,” said N. Ramesh, chairman, Aurora­ Business School.

17 colleges asked to hire a PIO

Hyderabad: Over 17 private colleges have been sent notices by the state information commissioner Tanthiya Kumari informing them that they have to appoint a public information officer and also disburse information under the Right To Information Act.

Every private college in the city that is receiving any kind of grant from the University Grants Commission falls under the ambit of the RTI Act.

In response to an appeal filed by an activist, Venkataiah, the official took the decision as there were many other applications pertaining to information about the allocation of funds, payment to staff and also distribution of the course fee structure.

“Many private colleges including Loyola Academy in Old Alwal  and others have appointed a public information officer. Their brochure clearly mentions that they have a PIO and his duty is to comply with the Act,” said Venkataiah.

“I have filed several RTIs, but I have not received responses from any college. I have filed an appeal with the Commission, but nothing has been done so far,” he informed.

Broker-college nexus triggers demand to end web counselling

Hyderabad: Demands for abolishing the existing Eamcet web-based counselling and replacing it with online counselling, as was done previously, is on the rise.

This is a result of irregularities being committed by brokers in nexus with college managements by obtaining passwords from gullible students with false promises of free hostel, free transport, etc. in web-based counselling to ensure that seats in particular colleges are filled.

Students from rural areas, who are unacquainted with computers and the internet, became the soft targets, as brokers obtain counselling passwords from them and provide them with options to ensure filling up of seats in those colleges in which they earn commissions.

“There are about 50 types of courses in over 700 engineering colleges in the state. Nearly 3 lakh seats are on offer. Majority of the rural students have no awareness of the usage of computers and internet. Brokers are targeting these students, mostly from backward classes, and giving options on their behalf. We demand the government to re-introduce online counselling system and scrap web-based counselling,” said  M. Srinivasa Rao, state general secretary, Andhra Pradesh BC Welfare Association.