Security boost for Mumbai University’s exam wing

The University of Mumbai (MU) will be roping in an Israeli agency to improve the security in the examination section following the engineering exam scam wherein the Mumbai police busted a group of eight people that included permanent and temporary staff of the University. The eight people were involved in arranging for students to rewrite their exam answer sheets for a price. Meanwhile, the Mumbai University and College Teachers Association (MUCTA) criticised the fact-finding committee constituted by the University to investigate scam and a students’ union demanded the resignation of the vice-chancellor.

According to Subhash Athavale, secretary, MUCTA, the fact-finding committee constituted by the University consisted of Prof Suresh Ukarande, former dean of technology, MU and principal of Tasgaonkar College, Prof Vilas Shinde, former Controller of Examination (CoE), MU and Dr Siddeshwar Gadade, principal and former dean of commerce faculty, Mumbai University.

“Our objections to the trio is based on the fact that while two of them were under the scanner and one of them was removed from his post after being found guilty, the third member has been part of numerous committees of the University, but none of the reports submitted by those committees have seen any action being initiated. Under such circumstances, it seems that the vice-chancellor of MU is not too keen on pursuing the engineering paper scam and initiating action against the corruption and malpractices prevailing in the examination section,” said Mr Athavale.

Advocate Amol Matele, Mumbai secretary of the students’ organisation said, “It is surprising that the University has allowed such a huge scam to continue for the past two years. Dr Deshmukh is the head of the University and has failed to safeguard the interests of the students by curbing corrupt practices. Hence we demand that he should resign,” said Mr Matele.

Meanwhile, the management council of the MU met on Monday to discuss ways and means to counter the situation and initiate measures against malpractices.

According to a University spokesperson, the management council agreed that the investigation should be handed over to the CID. “The council also agreed on taking the help of the Israeli government to improve the security in the examination section apart from increasing CCTV surveillance and installing access and intrusion software to keep an eye on the activities of the employees. The council also suggested transferring all the 138 temporary staff employed in the examination section and ban the use of cellphones in the building housing the examination section,” said the spokesperson.