Former senate members of the University of Mumbai (MU) have come down heavily on the university’s decision to discontinue the digital file-tracking system that was started to let applicants know the p
Former senate members of the University of Mumbai (MU) have come down heavily on the university’s decision to discontinue the digital file-tracking system that was started to let applicants know the progress of their application and the department that it had reached. While senators have alleged that the system was stopped to shield authorities who are not clearing files, the university has said that it had been done to stop misuse of facilities.
Speaking about the system, which was started a few years ago, former senate member Sanjay Wairal said, “The system was very beneficial and had made the entire process smooth and systematic. Applicants were not required to run from pillar to post to learn the status of their file. They could simply key in the file number given to them at the time of application in the online system and learn where it had reached from the comfort of their home or office, said Mr Wairal. He added that since its introduction, the system had increased accountability of officials and departments and efficiency too. “The only justification for discontinuing the system is that the university does not want to be accountable,” said Mr Wairal.
Santosh Gangurde, vice-president of the MNVS wing of the MU, said, “At a time when digitalisation and paperless work have become a norm in the country, the MU is resorting to regressive steps by discontinuing a system that had been introduced before most other universities in the state or nation. The decision definitely hints that something’s amiss, which the university is trying to cover up,” alleged Mr Gangurde.
A former management Council member said that while most files had been processed by the concerned departments, files were lying with the top authorities and were piling up, hence the university could have decided to discontinue the digital file-tracking system.
University officials, however, have refuted these allegations and said that the reason was different. “As the system was giving an update on where or which department the file had reached, applicants were misusing the information to pressurise officials from that department. As such instances had increased and complaints about university officials being harassed were on the rise, it was decided that the practice of giving the digital file number to applicants be discontinued. The system is very much in place for internal use,” said Dr M.A. Khan, registrar, MU.
