To begin with, a proposal which is waiting for a final nod is regarding students being allowed to see his/her entrance answersheets on request by paying Rs 10,000 as fees.

If implemented, it would be the first time in the history of PU that a student is given such a liberty. In case of discrepancies, the answersheet would be re-evaluated and corrective measures taken. The proposal further states that answer keys be uploaded on the department website, for 48 hours after the examination has ended.

The proposal has been finalised by a committee headed by S C Vaidya, Dean University Instructions. A final decision on the issue is expected at the Syndicate meet in the next week.

Another significant proposal pertains to Law students being given another chance to improve their marks in the three-year course. According to the proposal, a candidate would be allowed to appear in any additional subject prescribed by the course other than the one already studied. A similar provision already exists in the BEd courses.

A similar fee structure for University Institute of Applied Management Sciences students belonging to the general and SC/ST category will also be decided at the meet. The university also plans to hike the RTI fee to bring it at par with the fee charged by the Chandigarh Administration.

Uncalled-for protests: university bats for code of conduct
The officials at the Panjab University have decided to formulate norms for the students’ bodies, which hold uncalled protests time and again. The officials say that a Code of Conduct (COC) will also be implemented, if the students are found violating the norms. Once the COC is in place, punishment will range from a warning to expulsion.

Talking to Newsline, Dean of Students Welfare, Prof Naval Kishore, said, “A committee has been made to formulate the norms.” He added, “The students’ bodies will have to register themselves with the university. Before holding a protest, they will have to submit a memorandum citing their demands and the date on which the protest will be held.”

An official of the PU said, “There are times when outsiders are involved in protests. Registration of students’ bodies will put a check on this. The aim is to stop students from coming out on the roads and protest for unworthy demands.”