Automated marking scheme, more staff: Mumbai varsity V-C

Mumbai University will introduce complete automation in the examination process to ensure that there is no manual marking of scores. This could reduce the chances of tampering and forgery said MU’s new vice chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh.

Mumbai University will introduce complete automation in the examination process to ensure that there is no manual marking of scores. This could reduce the chances of tampering and forgery said University of Mumbai (MU)’s new vice chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh.

Sanjay Deshmukh takes over as the newly-appointed vice-chancellor of Mumbai University. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT photo)

He made the remarks during the press conference at the Fort campus on Tuesday to announce a lecture series to mark the university’s 159th anniversary. As reported by HT, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), on Monday summoned university officials as part of investigations into a case where mark sheets were forged.

A paan shop owner, Arun Salian, who operated near the university campus, was caught accepting money last year from a student claiming to allegedly help her pass the psychology paper. “The exam department will cooperate with the ACB officials. We have also initiated an internal committee to probe the matter..” Deshmukh added, “We are thinking about implementing an automation process for filling-in marks instead of a manual marking process which will reduce manipulations. Moreover, if anyone reports to the varsity about tampering of marks or question paper leaks with an evidence, the varsity will take action and assures to maintain the secrecy of the complainant.”

Deshmukh said that the issue of shortage of permanent staff at the major departments of varsity including exam department will be addressed by the varsity administration.

When asked about the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited’s (MKCL’s) – the private agency that has been given admission and exam-related work - continued failure to provide digital services for admissions and result processes in the past, Deshmukh said that the administration will conduct an assessment of complaints against MKCL and come up with a report before the next senate meeting.