Science college principals object to seat hike plan

Gujarat University’s (GU) decision to increase 50 seats per class for Bachelor of Science course (BSc) hasn’t gone down well with the college authorities of science colleges, particularly the principals, a bunch of whom gathered at the GU’s main office on Tuesday to vent their ire.

Furious principals said the decision will create an infrastructure challenge for the colleges.

GU, meanwhile, had decided to raise number of BSc seats from 150 to 200 following a request made by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) on Monday.

NSUI’s request bordered on the apprehension, that many students will be denied admission in the science stream as a result of the historical class XII result in science stream this year.

“If the varsity, without even taking our feedback announces the decision suddenly, how are we expected to implement it? From where are we going to get additional classrooms, teachers and other facility to accommodate additional 50 students?” one of the angry principals questioned dna at the gathering.

They also raised problems about sharing equipment, space and time for practical learning sessions in the existing laboratories in the science colleges. 

Pro vice-chancellor Dr Mukul Shah told media, “We will shortly announce schedule of admission process for additional 50 seats,” adding that the principals will apprise state education minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama of the problem.