Calicut University Mandates Triennial Audits for Autonomous Institutions

Strengthening Institutional Oversight

During a session convened at the Tenhipalam campus in Malappuram on Wednesday, the Syndicate of the University of Calicut enacted a policy requiring affiliated autonomous colleges to undergo inspections every three years. These evaluations will be managed by a specialized committee consisting of Syndicate members and academic experts to ensure compliance with university standards.

Academic Integrity and Financial Allocations

The Syndicate is launching a comprehensive investigation into grading discrepancies involving 51 students who received additional marks during moderation. Furthermore, the standing committee on examinations will probe the cases of 93 graduates who reportedly cleared their programs through unauthorized moderation credits. In financial developments, the university earmarked ₹3 crore for the Centre for Distance and Online Education for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Internal Governance and Dissent

A contentious point arose regarding the appointment of C. Suresh Kumar as the director of the publications division. Pro-Left Syndicate members formally opposed the move, arguing the item was introduced without being included in the official agenda. They noted that supporting documentation was missing from the July 9 meeting and emphasized that statutory procedures require all key appointments to be preceded by complete agenda visibility to ensure collective decision-making. Other administrative updates include:

• The appointment of Syed Marzook Bafaqui as the university’s standing counsel for the Supreme Court.
• Approval of duty leave for faculty in project-mode programs to facilitate professional and academic participation.
• Increased travel and daily allowances for students participating in study tours through teaching departments.

Deliberations by the Syndicate are scheduled to resume on Thursday.

Source: The Hindu — National