19 autonomous colleges in Bharathidasan University's fold
With the University Grants Commission (UGC) granting autonomy to the National College with effect from the coming academic year, the number of autonomous colleges in the fold of the Bharathidasan University has risen to 19, the highest in any university in Tamil Nadu.
Of them, eight are Government colleges, and the rest government-aided colleges. Tiruchi district alone accounts for eight autonomous colleges, inclusive of the National College.
The UGC confers autonomy initially for a period of six years. By having its own Governing Body, Academic Council, Board of Studies and Finance Committee, an autonomous college is in a better position to enhance quality of education, according to the UGC's document on the X Plan profile of higher education in India.
Heads of autonomous colleges in this region feel that their students are safe in the backdrop of persisting demands from affiliated colleges that the university valuation be made more credible.
Though the onus is on the university to infuse credibility into the valuation process, there are some factors beyond its control, a principal of an affiliated college said. For instance, it (the university) is not in a position to make it mandatory for teachers to attend valuation duty. Though as per norm, a teacher has to value only 40 answer scripts a day, the number of scripts entrusted for them far exceeds the number due to paucity of evaluators, informed sources said.
Principals believe teachers feel rejuvenated in an autonomous system. For, autonomous colleges have to necessarily involve teachers in decision-making exercises to infuse in them a sense of belonging and responsibility. Under the system, a department has the freedom to design suitable courses, introduce new courses, rename obsolete courses by changing their content, and preparing course material and human resources.
Owing to these advantages, a few more colleges have initiated the process of seeking autonomy, it is learnt.
Of them, eight are Government colleges, and the rest government-aided colleges. Tiruchi district alone accounts for eight autonomous colleges, inclusive of the National College.
The UGC confers autonomy initially for a period of six years. By having its own Governing Body, Academic Council, Board of Studies and Finance Committee, an autonomous college is in a better position to enhance quality of education, according to the UGC's document on the X Plan profile of higher education in India.
Heads of autonomous colleges in this region feel that their students are safe in the backdrop of persisting demands from affiliated colleges that the university valuation be made more credible.
Though the onus is on the university to infuse credibility into the valuation process, there are some factors beyond its control, a principal of an affiliated college said. For instance, it (the university) is not in a position to make it mandatory for teachers to attend valuation duty. Though as per norm, a teacher has to value only 40 answer scripts a day, the number of scripts entrusted for them far exceeds the number due to paucity of evaluators, informed sources said.
Principals believe teachers feel rejuvenated in an autonomous system. For, autonomous colleges have to necessarily involve teachers in decision-making exercises to infuse in them a sense of belonging and responsibility. Under the system, a department has the freedom to design suitable courses, introduce new courses, rename obsolete courses by changing their content, and preparing course material and human resources.
Owing to these advantages, a few more colleges have initiated the process of seeking autonomy, it is learnt.
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