Online admissions get a thumbs up

The FYJC online admission process that stipulates that each and every student being admitted to a junior college needs to be registered, has proved to be a boon for principals of junior colleges. Principals say that they are not under pressure anymore from politicians and local leaders who demand gratification of their recommendations for admissions. Some fringe political activists have said that they were mulling challenging the government’s decision to conduct all admission through the online process.

Dr T.A. Shiware, president of the Association of Non-Government Colleges (ANGC) said, “Previously, principals of prestigious colleges used to be inundated with letters of recommendation from MPs, MLAs, corporators and local leaders asking them to accommodate students regardless of merit or the cut-off percentages. As a result, principals were under tremendous pressure to oblige,” said Dr Shiware.

He added that as former principal of K P B Hinduja College, he used to receive nearly 200-250 such letters at the time of admission.

Dr V.N. Magre, principal of Kirti College, said that online admissions had become efficient and transparent and was well received by the principals. “As admissions are allotted only by the government, we have the freedom to carry on our duties without having to worry about catering to or answering politicians,” said Dr Magre.

However, Dr M.Z. Farouqui said that while there was relief from nagging demands of politicians, they still face demands for management quota seats. “While our management has taken the onus of admitting students to the quota, we do get calls from politicians. We have to explain to them that the management is the sole authority which sometimes does not go down well with the politicians,” said Dr Farouqui.

Some political activists, however, consider this as a hurdle for the smooth functioning of the admission process. “Hundreds of students are yet to get admission even after a month of junior colleges starting. Had the process been partly offline, these students would have secured a seat in a college and would not lose out on the academic days. We will be meeting the education minister in this regard,” said Santosh Gangurde, vice-president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena.

College principals have heaved a sigh of relief with the FYJC online admission process as they have no say in it. Principals said the lack of their say in the admission process was a good excuse for them to refuse admissions to politicians and local political leaders who use coercive tactics to secure admissions. A couple of political parties are mulling over protesting against it.