Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, who is also the Chancellor of Universities, has set a cap on the student strength of self-finance courses (SFCs) in state public universities.
Saswat Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Governor, in a letter to all Vice-Chancellors, said the Chancellor was concerned over the manner in which SFCs were being run in state public universities, often overshadowing the ‘regular courses’.
“He desires that state public universities should fully concentrate on running high-quality ‘regular courses’ to benefit students from economically weaker households. Universities may consider to run, to a limited extent, a few SFCs if there is a need,” Mishra said.
Lal has issued the following directions to streamline SFCs.
* Student strength of all SFCs (direct and PPP) should not exceed 20% of the total student strength of all regular courses.
* If the current student strength of SFCs in any university exceeds the 20% cap, it must be brought down w.e.f. 2022-23 academic year by reducing SFC seats and/or by discontinuing not-so-well-performing SFCs.
* Every SFC shall be critically reviewed by the university syndicate/ board of management and a suitable decision taken on the continuance or discontinuance of these SFCs. The SFCs, which will be discontinued, will not have any fresh admissions.
* Subject to the student strength ceiling, new SFCs can be started in future as per need. However, all new SFCs must run in ‘Direct Mode’. New SFCs in ‘PPP Mode’ shall not be permitted at all.
* Admission of students into SFCs must be made through an open and merit-based selection process.
Mishra asked the Vice-Chancellors to submit a compliance report by 7.7.2022.
