Disparities in regular, distance modes

On October 31, 2016, the University Grants Commission (UGC) communicated to all universities that they “should reflect on the mode of delivery of programme on all the documents issued to students in order to erase ambiguities between conventional mode degree(s) with that of ODL mode degree(s).” They are now “essentially required to mention the ‘Mode of Delivery: ODL/Distance’ on all the documents issued to students during or after the completion of programme.”

Lacunae in distance learning mode

• No chance for CBCS, syllabi is rarely revised;
• Traditional examination papers for 100 marks do not give any scope for practicals
• No credits for projects and classroom seminars
• No projects and assignments,
• Non-compulsion of attendance
• Less qualified counselors;
• open admission to compartmentally qualified candidates;
• No examinations under strict supervision, hence, mass copying, and etc.

It is a good move long pending. When methods, materials and standards are different, how can the same certificate be issued? In the past, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) asked the universities to issue separate certificates, but several universities ignored it for obvious reasons.

It is believed that a university should issue the same certificate for all its students whether they study through distance mode or formal mode. It is also argued that several best universities in the world allow students to take some exams through distance mode and some formal, yet issue the same certificate for some courses, but not for all courses. The degrees have of course the same value (if not priority) for eligibility, employability and promotion.

The mode should be explicit to have a healthy competition. Moreover, it becomes imperative now in the light of recent reforms. At present, certain things are going to be different in the Regular Mode such as Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), latest syllabi for different courses, credits for Projects and Classroom Seminars, attendance of 90 days in each semester, no chance for compartmentally qualified candidates to seek admission, hostel accommodation for day-long instruction, financial assistance, examinations under the supervision of university authorities with no scope for copying, no examinations outside the jurisdiction of the university and good chances for research and professional degrees with fellowships and scholarships.

The Distance Mode is marked by factors as follows: There is no chance for CBCS, syllabi is rarely revised; traditional examination papers for 100 marks do not give any scope for practicals; no credits for Projects and Classroom Seminars; no projects and assignments, non-compulsion of attendance; less qualified counselors; PG Courses in Junior College centres; open admission to compartmentally qualified candidates; no hostel accommodation for serious learning; courses are primarily meant for housewives and in-service candidates, etc. Hence, sessions on Sundays only; no examinations under strict supervision, hence, mass copying, and etc.

Hereafter, admissions in all universities including attendance have to be online for transparency and the process started from this academic year onwards. Moreover, all UG, PG colleges, universities and Distance Mode Centres are going to be ranked nation-wide based on modes, methods and materials.

The distance mode students who attend 20 contact sessions in a year cannot be equated to the regular mode students who attend classes for 180 days and make seminar presentations. Distance mode students have year-wise scheme and the regular mode students have semester-wise system and now Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).

CBCS was already introduced in regular PG courses last year (2015-16) and it is going to be introduced in UG courses from this academic year (2016-17). If the same system is adopted in distance mode one can think of the award of the same degree certificates. But we wonder whether it is possible to introduce it in the distance mode. It is a known fact in all appointments regular students are preferred to distance mode though the degrees have the same value.

It is reported that the UGC has once again refused to give recognition to the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) to run courses for 2015-16. It said the university courses did not have recognition from 2013-14 to 2015-16 and in case the university admits any student without the approval of the UGC, it will be treated as invalid/unrecognised and the university will be held responsible for consequences, if any arising out of it. Around 9 lakh students who are said to have got various diplomas, undergraduate and post graduate degrees from the university since 2013-14 are going to be affected by this decision.

However, the UGC letter stated that it may consider giving recognition if the university submits convincing documentary evidence that it has adhered to the norms of legal jurisdiction. The university should close study centres outside the state and terminate. MoUs with private collaborative institutions are not allowed, the letter stated.

Kakatiya University has such several MoUs beyond its jurisdiction indulging in a lot of corruption. The special task force has unearthed gross malpractice cases last year and the reports were published in the newspapers. Now the questions arise: When several things are different, what is wrong in mentioning the mode on degree certificates? When memos are different why not convocation certificates too? How long do these universities cheat the students and the recruiting agencies? Why don’t the regular mode students protest? Is it possible to introduce CBCS in the distance mode? When universities including KU offered External and Regular Mode, they issued separate certificates. Why cannot they do it now? Can they issue similar certificates to the earlier students now?

Let the same pattern and latest syllabi be introduced in the distance mode also. It becomes very difficult to do so. Even then research degrees and professional courses cannot be offered as per UGC guidelines. Though Paulo Coelho advises us not to waste our time with explanations as people only hear what they want to hear, I think the real picture will emerge now curbing the menace of mass copying in several distance mode centres and giving importance to conventional degree holders who will have better job opportunities as competition will be less from easily acquired degree holders. (Wrtier is Dean, CDC, Kakatiya University, Warangal)

By Prof G Damodar