Masters of Social Work students demand mark-sheets as MU celebrates convocation

The final year students staged a protest outside the convocation venue on Thursday

While the Mumbai University (MU) was busy celebrating their annual convocation at the Sir Cowasjee Jahangir Hall inside the varsity's Fort campus on Thursday, about 50 students of Masters of Social Work (MSW) staged a protest outside the hall demanding their mark-sheets for the past three semesters. However, that isn't all the MSW students are going through. With just a month left for the submission of their research papers, they have been asked to change their research guides, as the Rajiv Gandhi Contemporary Centre does not have teachers.

No mark-sheets
Even though the first batch of the MSW course has already entered the final semester, they have no proof of completing the first three semesters. All the 75 students of the final semester have already started looking for jobs, but they fear not getting any in the absence of mark-sheets. Though the protesting students waited outside the venue till the event got over, to meet the vice-chancellor, they could only talk to the university registrar.

General Secretary of MU, Omkar Bhopi, and also a student pursuing the course, said, "We were promised a meeting with the VC if our protest was peaceful. However, after we were taken to the VC's office, five of us were allowed to meet only the registrar. We have been given an oral assurance that the matter will be resolved within 15 days. Let's see what happens." Another MSW student, Ajinky Hardikar, said, "We don't have mark sheets. The institute doesn't have teachers. Recently, the director's tenure got over. Even though a new incharge-director has been appointed, we need a coordinator who is from the MSW background.

Focus on staff crunch
Speaking to mid-day, Dr Balaji Kendre, who holds additional charge of director of the Rajiv Gandhi Contemporary Centre, said, "The institute is facing some technical issues due to its autonomous structure. We need the academic council's nod to issue mark-sheets. At present, the focus is more on appointment of teachers. Moreover, if students get job opportunities, then we'll ensure that they don't lose out on them. They can be helped with provisional mark-sheets. All of this has been communicated to the students."

Mumbai University PRO, Leeladhar Bansod informed that three teachers have already been appointed for the course and soon they will take charge. "The university will resolve the issue of mark-sheets on priority basis. Moreover, instructions have been issued to appoint a coordinator for the course."

75 Total no. of final year students pursuing the course

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