Several tasks ready for Mumbai varsity VC

Mumbai: From sliding in the international ranking to losing the NAAC accreditation, the 160-year-old University of Mumbai (MU) needs a lot of repair work. Dr Suhas Pednekar, the newly appointed vice-chancellor, will have several challenges at his hand on taking charge, which is expected on Wednesday.

Dr Pednekar, 60, will have to announce the results of the summer examinations-2018 on time. The results were delayed on last two occasions and there is a possibility of it happening again.

In April last year, MU lost the NAAC accreditation. “In several national and international rankings we tripped due to the examination mess, which needs to be rectified,” said a senior official.

“We have lost all the faith in the university after what they have done with the academic life of the students. Now, let us see if the new vice-chancellor can do any good,” said Rajat Hinda, a post-graduate student of MU.

Rajan Singhala, an undergraduate student said, “It does not matter who the new vice-chancellor is if he is going to repeat the same mistakes and make our life hell.”

Reason for dismissal

Last year, then vice-chancellor Dr Sanjay Deshmukh announced the online assessment of the final year students’ answer papers. Dr Deshmukh failed to implement it and the results got delayed for months. Dr Deshmukh even blamed MU officials for the delay. The state governor and chancellor sacked Dr Deshmukh for failing to comply with directives.