About 50 arts and science colleges affiliated to the University of Madras in the city and its suburbs have closed down courses such as B.Sc (microbiology), B.Sc (biochemistry), B.Sc (electronics) and B.Sc (info science) with less than four students joining these courses.
Prof. G. Thiruvasagam, vice-chancellor, University of Madras, told Deccan Chronicle on Friday that many colleges approached the varsity with complaints of seats going vacant in courses like B.Sc (microbiology), B.Sc (biochemistry), B.Sc (electronics) and B.Sc (info science).
“They were able to fill just two or three seats as these courses have no employability in the present context. We have asked colleges not to remove faculty who handled these courses but rather use them for related courses,” he said.
Prof. Thiruvasagam pointed out that the university had discussed the issue with colleges and teacher associations and said that the varsity had offered colleges the option of starting a job-oriented course instead of the four courses that they had closed down.
“We have decided to waive off affiliation fee charged by the university for the alternate course. Colleges need to pay Rs 25,000 as inspection fee,” he said.
Prof. Thiruvasagam said that he had called for a meeting with the principals of arts and science colleges affiliated to it on May 14.
“After I assumed office as vice-chancellor of the university I have been conducting meetings with principals periodically.