More flaws found in varsity’s new textbooks move

KOZHIKODE: The controversial decision by the Calicut University to prescribe books written by Board of Studies (BoS) members is mired in several procedural irregularities. Most of the BoS members are the leaders of teachers’ organizations affiliated to IUML and Congress.
It appears that the normal process followed for approval of syllabus has been flouted by the varsity. The new English syllabus, which prescribes six books written by BoS members for common courses of BA, BSc and BCom , has not received the statutory approval from the Faculty of English.
Instead, it was approved by the vice chancellor on the basis of the remarks of the dean of faculty through e-mail , considering the `exigency’ of the matter.
The varsity has also side-lined its own publication division, which usually brings out low- priced editions of text books, by approaching international publishing houses.
Meanwhile, vice chancellor M Abdul Salam said that the decision by the BoS to have the books published through private publishers is not in line with the varsity policy."The issue had not come to my notice before. We will take steps to ensure that the books are published by the publication division from the next semester onwards. Our policy is to make the text books available to students at low price through the publication division. A meeting of all officials concerned will be convened soon to sort out the issue," he added
All Kerala Private College Teachers Association (AKPCTA), Association of Kerala Government College Teachers Association (AKGCTA) and Association of Calicut University Teachers (ACT) have demanded vigilance probe into the issue alleging conspiracy and corruption. They claim that the BoS members, who framed the syllabus and prescribed the books, will financially benefit through royalty received from sale of own books.
“The decision is not approved by the faculty or the academic council. Taken in March 2014, the decision was intentionally kept as a secret and was approved bypassing the academic council citing emergency situation. There has been collusion between publishing houses, BoS members and top brass of the varsity which has brought shame to the whole academic community,” the statement said.
The process followed for approval of syllabus has been flouted by Calicut University. Teachers have demanded vigilance probe.