UoP's triple connectivity project gets a setback

University of Pune (UoP) received a setback on its deadline of the much-talked ‘Triple Connectivity’ project. Initially, December 08 was set as the deadline for connecting 135 colleges, but now only the UoP campus would get the infrastructure within the stipulated period.

Senate meeting on Tuesday had elaborate discussion on triple connectivity project with members voicing apprehensions about its feasibility and utility.

UoP plans to bring affiliated colleges in a wider network where audio, video and data transfer would be possible. The Vice Chancellor Dr Narendra Jadhav had initially announced that in first phase (December 2008) 100 colleges would be connected by intranet.

However, when members raised questions on the progress, Director of Board of Colleges and University Development (BCUD) Dr Pandit Vidyasagar clarified that in first phase only wherewithal for network would be set at main campus.

He said, "Main server and basic software and hardware would be in place by December. Ten test locations will also be connected to campus. Hundred colleges will be taken in the network step by step."

Jadhav added that the original plan was revised as many suggestions were made to UoP to go step by step on the project.

Principals and professors from rural areas raised issue of power cuts and causing hindrance in the project. Questions on selection criteria of first hundred colleges and financial share of colleges received vague reply from the authorities.

Members also voiced concern over alleged misuse of reservation for children of displaced Kashmiri families.

Dr A P Kulkarni and Dr Atul Bagul alleged that a racket was being run in the city wherein certificates meant for displaced Kashmiri students were forged. In the subsequent discussion UoP authorities admitted that it does not have system to verify migrant certificates issued by the state government.

Senate witnessed two adjournment motions but both were withdrawn. First one was about attack on Principal J D Yadav at Bodhegaon (district Ahmednagar) by employees of the institute. Second was regarding misleading and incorrect answers to questions of senate members. Debate on revised budget for 2008-09 remained incomplete and will continue on Wednesday.

Source: sakaaltimes.com