University’s search for exam dept head unsuccessful

MUMBAI: University of Mumbai’s (MU) third attempt to appoint a Controller of Examinations (CoE) has failed, leaving it with no option but to persist with a temporary

MUMBAI: University of Mumbai’s (MU) third attempt to appoint a Controller of Examinations (CoE) has failed, leaving it with no option but to persist with a temporary appointment for the post.

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Of the 10 eligible candidates shortlisted last month, nine showed up for the interview on Wednesday. A seven-member committee, which was set up to conduct the interviews, did not recommend any name. “The committee did not mention any reason [for not finalising on any candidate]. But as per the communication we have received, no new candidate has been selected,” said MA Khan, registrar, MU.

The CoE’s post has been lying vacant ever since Dinesh Bonde quit in August 2015. MU gave additional charge of this post to deputy registrar Deepak Wasave. “As of now, Wasave will continue to act as Controller of Examinations for MU,” said Khan.

In January, four probable candidates were shortlisted by a committee, but the process was scrapped midway because a clause in the new Maharashtra Public Universities Bill, 2015, replaced the CoE’s post with that of ‘Director (Assessment and Evaluation)’. The CoE’s post will remain valid only until the new Act is implemented. Similarly, in May, a group of shortlisted candidates were not called for interviews because the selection committee did not find any candidate eligible. This time, the job profile was advertised with a rider, that the tenure will either last five years, or depend on the outcome of the provisions of the new Act, as and when implemented. “The CoE’s post is an important one, mainly because there are added responsibilities for the exam department now with common first-year exams. It’s surprising that in more than a year, the varsity has not found a suitable candidate for the post,” said a senior MU official.