Kurukshetra University : CAG report adds to worries of Kurukshetra University's distance education department

From TOI 

KURUKSHETRA: An audit report recommending discontinuation of nine courses has added to the worries of Kurukshetra University's distance education department, which has seen a decline in the number of students enrolled during the session 2011-12.

In its report submitted in the budget session of Haryana Vidhan Sabha, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had suggested discontinuation of nine courses identified by it, as these were not producing the desired results.

According to figures provided by the university, about 29,000 students were enrolled for the session 2011-12.

Expressing inability to provide exact details about income from distance education department, authorities confirmed a loss of Rs 3 crore on account of decline in the number of students. Authorities apprehended further loss by discontinuing the courses. It is learned that distance education department has an annual contribution of around Rs 12 crore to Rs 14 crore towards university's total income.

An official of the university said that the CAG issue is separate, but decline in the number of students in all courses has some specific reasons behind it. Actually, students are finding courses in neighbouring universities more convenient as they get more marks easily because of objective type questions in the examinations there, he said.

Some students, who did not want to reveal their identities, said, "If we can get more marks in neighboring universities due to their exam structure, why to opt for KU where we find it hard."

Prof Rajnish Sharma, director, distance education department, said, "We accept changes in courses with changing times. We are serious about the decreasing number of students. But we see hope that some students still enroll as a few days are left for the last date with late fee. If some more students come, our losses will decrease."