Calicut University may withdraw punching system for research scholars

KOZHIKODE: The biometric punching system implemented for the research scholars on the Calicut University campus may soon go. It is learnt that the Left dominant syndicate will opt to implement the report submitted by the Academic Committee recommending giving power to HODs and guides to monitor the scholars and to remove punching machines from departments.

It was in October 2013, the then vice-chancellor Dr M. Abdul Salam ordered to implement punching system for research scholars. He also ordered to give fellowship amount only based on the attendance marked on the punching machine. The order sparked wide-scale protest when researchers launched 24-hour research strike and occupying library turning the University a battlefield for many months.

After Dr K Mohammed Basheer had taken charge as the VC, a committee of teachers was formed to examine the issues and recommended withdrawal of the practice. However, a report from pro-VC was also sought by the university which is reportedly supporting the punching system. “Punching is clearly against the idea of research and academics, and no other universities have implemented such a thing,” said Syndicate member and history department head Dr P Sivadasan.

“In our report, we have suggested instead of punching, all scholars shall mark their attendance in the register maintained by their research supervisors by signing in the morning and evening in the days they are present in the department,” added committee convener Dr Fathimathu Zuhara. VC Dr Basheer said that an amicable solution would be found by taking the positive aspects from both committee and PVC reports in coming days. Recently the authorities have also decided not to consider punching machine attendance to disburse fellowship withheld over the issue.