Ubeer Naqushbandi
SRINAGAR
As a social responsibility initiative, the University of Kashmir is all set to start two-shift classes from upcoming academic session.
“The idea is to help those students who just fall short of few points to secure a seat,” Dean academic affairs Mohammad Ashraf Wani told Kashmir Life.
Over 17000 students apply for various courses in University of Kashmir every year, of which only 3500 students make it to the highest seat of learning. “The rest are left out but at the same time there are students who lag behind by only few points. In order to ensure their precious time doesn’t get wasted, this initiative has been taken,” he said. “Besides, there are also poor students who can’t go for higher studies in outside universities, so we need to take care of them as well.”
“In order to ensure proper time management, so that students are benefitted, we have decided to make maximum use of our infrastructure and human resource,” Prof Wani said, “in this regard we have finalized modalities and efforts are on to make it a success.”
With the idea of making the varsity a vibrant and 24*7 working institution, the authorities initially faced some hiccups as well. “This is not a smooth sail,” top sources in the varsity said, “the Social Sciences faculty had initially put its reservations in starting second shift classes, however, after intense deliberations, we went ahead with our program.”
“We apprehended that the Science Faculty might face problems in starting the second classes shift,” Prof Wani revealed, “but we were wrong. The Science departments were more enthusiastic about such a program.”
The officials said that Science departments need more avenues and resources including laboratories and other equipment which would be “cumbersome” as far as second shift is concerned. “But, we got their nod in first go. All departments are set to start two-shift classes from this academic session.”
Giving details about the upcoming programs, University of Kashmir’s PRO said, “main aim of this policy is to make campus vibrant and ensure courses are finished on time.” “There will be hundred percent increase in the intake capacity of the students.”
While more students are being enrolled in the varsity this academic session, but the students who shall be attending evening classes are, reportedly, paying more for their degrees. “The fee structure of second shift will be slightly more in Science programs. As far as Social Science courses are concerned, it is almost same.”
Notably, entrance examination to the said courses for 2016-17 session has already started. Students are being given admission on provisional basis as the result of under graduate courses is yet to be declared.
“Classes of first shift will be started from 9 am which will end around 2 in the afternoon,” the PRO said, “the second shift will start afterwards which will end around 6 pm.” “This policy of two-shift classes will not be a cosmetic measure but a ‘stringent policy’,” the PRO asserted.
The officials further informed that the result of on-going entrance examination to new courses shall be declared within a week after all the exams are done. “We expect to start the new academic session from March 15,” the PRO said.
Moreover, the varsity is introducing a “unique tear proof certificates” which would replace traditional paper certificates. “The University has also decided to do away policy of issuance of marks sheets after every semester which would also be replaced by a transcript to be provided to the students once they complete their degrees, instantly,” he said.
The PRO added that varsity is planning to provide transport facilities to the students “but only on city routes”. “For this, SRTC and private transport associations are being brought into fold.”
