The transformation of the university was something
It came as a surprise when the vice-chancellor of Jhansi University told me that there was no summer vacation in the university. "What?" I asked in disbelief. "What about for festivals like Diwali and Eid?" He shook his head. "Only last Holi we had a small celebration."
"And. people did not object to this?" I asked, still incredulous.
"No one." he said, "We don't follow even UGC limits of work."
We were in Jhansi for a short halt, so I had rung up the VC to say I would be glad to meet him. He came over and insisted that I join him for dinner. As we entered the gates of the campus, we appeared to have alighted at a wonderland. At dinner, there were a number of eminent guests."You should have come during the day to see how this place has been transformed in three years," said one. "Earlier, students would urinate in front of the VC's office!" He went on to explain that the construction of all the new buildings had been done without a paisa from the government. One building, that cost about Rs 30 lakh had been financed by voluntary contributions made by the faculty, employees and students.
Jhansi had two colleges, with enrollment lists of 26,500 and 22,000 students respectively. This was patently fraudulent since neither had the space to accommodate such numbers. They were just rackets. churning out fake degrees. Before this VC arrived, the university had a few ramshackle buildings and no more than 120 students on its rolls. It now boasts of 7,000 students who are provided with as many as 22 imposing buildings in a campus which boasts of a rockery, beautiful parks, a herbal garden, a convention centre and an international centre with a swimming pool, a rooftop restaurant, a tennis court, a 1,350-seat auditorium. among other facilities. With the faculty strength up from 8 to 250. it has 34 academic and research institutes, offering some 132 courses ranging from Rio-chemistry to Hotel Management. The examination system is fully computerised.
How did all this come about? The government's role. one was informed, was of only unstinted support. Every student was levelled an annual Silver Jubilee charge of Rs 100 twice - which yielded a crore and a half. Exam fees were hiked from Rs 200 to over a thousand, supplemented by a graduated system of late fees. Ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000. There was also a five- to six-fold increase in tuition fees. This was boosted by stiff penalties for chewing paan or smoking on the campus. Being drunk meant fine of Rs 1,000-which was doubled in the event of a second offence. Donations from philanthropists, too, helped.
How could the inflammable youth
of India accept this without a demur? Has the leopard changed its spots
under the shadow of the Rani of Jhansi s statue? Can a dynamic leader with
a mission make such a difference? These were questions that intrigued me
as I made my way from the university.