Bangalore University, Karnataka State Open University and VTU had expressed desire
to impart technical education through correspondence
The state council for higher education on Thursday, 22nd
July 2011, trashed proposals from several universities to offer technical courses
through distance education mode.
Recently, several state universities including Bangalore University and Karnataka
State Open University (KSOU) had decided to offer technical courses through distance
education mode. The last meeting of the academic council of Bangalore University
had even approved a proposal in this regard. The KSOU had chalked out a clear-cut
plan and even zeroed in on some agencies to offer technical degrees through correspondence
courses. But the general body of the state council for higher education has decided
not to permit any such proposal.
Latha Krishna Rao, principal secretary (higher education), said, "No university
in the state will be allowed to offer technical courses through distance education
mode. This is not allowed by the All India Council for Technical Education and so
there is no question of allowing any university to start it."
She also referred to the Supreme Court judgment in the Prof. Yashpal Vs State of
Chhattisgarh and others case where it had been specifically stated that conventional
universities should not provide distance education programmes, especially in technical
courses.
The proposal for technical courses through distance education mode had evoked widespread
interest. Several vice-chancellors including Visvesvaraya Technological University
(VTU) vice-chancellor Dr. H Maheshappa too had evinced interest in imparting technical
education through correspondence courses.
"All UG and PG technical courses should come under VTU. If there is a
demand for technical courses through distance education mode, we will definitely
start it," Maheshappa had said. The fourth general body of the Karnataka state higher
education council was presided by minister VS Acharya on Palace Road on Thursday,
21st July 2011.
Courtesy: DNA India
