Nagpur Today: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) team will begin its inspection of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) from Wednesday, September 10.
Nagpur University Administration is making all out efforts to impress upon National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) during its scheduled visit. Every five years the universities are inspected for gradation.
NAAC assesses the university on some important factors including Curricular Aspects, Research and Consultancy and Extension, Teaching-Learning and Evaluation, Infrastructure and Learning Resources, Student Support and Progression, Governance, Leadership and Management and Innovations and Best Practices.
During the last visit of NAAC, Nagpur University had to be content with ‘B’ Grade. But this year, with the improvement in the infrastructure, teachers’ strength and research initiatives, it will be interesting to see if RTMNU gets ‘A’ Grade. The ‘internal quality assurance cell’ of RTMNU under Acting Vice Chancellor Anoop Kumar had worked hard to remove any hurdles.
According to information, on the first day of inspection, VC Anoop Kumar will give the presentation to the NAAC team about the work, research and other activities carried out by the university.
The NAAC committee gives emphasis on the works done to upgrade syllabus, research work, appointment of teaching and non-teaching staff. RTMNU has in preparation for this has focused on introducing credit base system, semester pattern and recruitment of teachers.RTMNU has decided to impress the NAAC team and to convince them that they are adhering to all the rules and regulations prescribed in the University regulations.
However, there are certain important factors which will be worrisome for the university during the presentation. According to Dr. Mahendra Umare, Associate Professor of Nagpur Instititue of Technology, there are some parameters which need to be addressed.
For Example NAAC’s major weightage is on Teaching-Learning and Research. Curriculum of the university is at par with other universities but it fails in upgradation as per UGC guidelines. There is not much as regards to Universtiy –Industry collaboration.
Another concern will be Research& Development wherein the outcome does not stand out. Aspects of Central Government funded projects in university are looked upon. No doubt these government-granted projects are going on in university but there are not many government funded projects.
As regards ‘Student support’ in academics there are departments with good employment and guidance centres but overall there is no effective mechanism to implement the projects. There is a separate department for training and skill developement in industry but MOUs between industry and university are less in numbers.
The examination section is very good. At one point of time entire Maharashtra was supposed to follow the examination pattern of Nagpur University. But the declaration of results within the stipulated time will be a cause of concern.
The Database Management of the approved faculties of colleges affiliated with RTMNU is not available properly. There is gap between teaching and learning process as there are no university guidelines to teachers in the teaching and learning process.
However, during the assessment, the infrastructure aspect does not play a role as compared to students progression.
Overall, RTMNU has been preparing a lot for the NAAC visit. All the departments will project their achievements and research. Institutes like LIT will be more focused on because of their Research and Patent work. And also the MOUs with different agencies by the university will be projected upon.
