Abandon autonomy

#Abandon #autonomy

The autonomy granted to colleges in Kerala has led to significant issues, particularly regarding academic standards and transparency. Many institutions misuse their autonomous status to promote students without adhering to proper qualification criteria, undermining the integrity of the educational system.

 Instances of advancing students to higher classes despite inadequate performance, and the manipulation of internal assessments and grace marks, illustrate how autonomy can be exploited. This  diminishes the value of education and compromises the quality of graduates.

The lack of stringent oversight and adherence to a standardized examination schedule further increase the problem. When colleges operate independently, there is often a lack of uniformity in academic practices, which can lead to inconsistent and unreliable evaluation of student performance. 

The absence of a time-bound examination system also contributes to delays and inefficiencies, ultimately affecting students' academic progress and readiness for their future careers.

Moreover, some autonomous colleges have used their status to offer courses that serve political interests rather than academic ones. These programs, designed to further political agendas rather than educational goals, should be scrapped to maintain the primary focus of higher education. 

A return to university governance and mandatory attendance would help restore accountability and ensure that educational institutions serve their intended purpose: providing high-quality education and preparing students for their professional lives.

K A Solaman