‘Bangalore University aiming for future at cost of present’

The Bangalore University (BU) is planning to set up a school of media even as it is maintaining status quo on its electronic media department, which allegedly is facing a deluge of problems.
BU vice-chancellor N Prabhu Dev told DNA the varsity is planning to start a school of communication. When asked if the varsity had any plans to upgrade its electronic media department, he said it would function as it is.

The students of BU’s communications and electronic media courses say the condition of their department is pathetic. There is no one at the helm of its affairs since the head of the department was transferred. A student of the stream told DNA that the department is facing many internal problems, right from the course and faculty, but BU has turned a blind eye to them.
In this context, the students say it  is bewildering that the BU, instead of focusing on attending to the current problems, is planning for a new school.

“When this department itself is not functioning efficiently, what is the point in setting up the school?” said a student, adding that even a small investment in the current facilities can improve the condition of the department.
Rs25 crore for new school

Even as the BU V-C maintained the department would function as it is, he said the varsity has allocated `25 crore for its proposed school of communication, which would be built on the Central College campus. He said the amount would be spent on infrastructure, equipment and other requirements. Dev said the university is looking for a corporate house or charitable organisation to help it with the funds.

Dev said they are looking for a reputed journalist to head the school. Some of the names they are considering include MJ Akbar, Kuldip Nayar and Arnab Goswami. Dev said the varsity would form a core committee of well-known journalists too. Further, he said he would be in New Delhi from December 7 to December 9 to give shape to the proposal.

The draft of rules for the autonomous body have to be formed, he said,  adding that fee structure and other details have yet to be decided.

“We want it to be on par with global standards,” Dev said.
As for the BU’s electronic media department, he said they would issue an advertisement, inviting applications for the head of the department. Based on the response to the advertisement, the varsity would look into the issue of appointment.