Mumbai University Psychology HOD writes to VC over ‘malpractice’ in admission

The letter by HOD of Psychology, MU; (right) The resolution letter on the student’s admission by the three-member committee

A letter by the Head of Department (HOD) of Psychology of Mumbai University addressed to the Vice-Chancellor (VC), over the admission of a foreign candidate, has sparked a new controversy. The HOD has sought immediate intervention of the VC in a case of alleged malpractice in the admission process. The letter states that the varsity administration is favouring the candidate for admission to Masters in Psychology even though she does not meet the eligibility criteria.

As per the issue raised in the letter by HOD of Psychology, Satishchandra Kumar, a candidate, who had applied through the single-window system for foreign candidates, does not meet the eligibility criteria as her bachelor's degree is from a different faculty.

Through the letter, HOD of Psychology has sought immediate intervention of the university's VC. File pic

The letter states, "As per a decision of the Board of Studies in Psychology, which is applicable to all departments of the university and colleges affiliated to it, there cannot be any direct admission to a course at the post-graduate level as it involves real-life practical sessions. Based on this, we have rejected all candidates coming from other faculties, as they do not meet the eligibility criteria. However, the three-member committee appointed to decide on a resolution for this, has directed the HOD of Applied Psychology to immediately conduct an aptitude test for the candidate. It has also been mentioned that upon successful qualification of the test, the candidate should be given a formal admission letter at the earliest. This is a mockery of the decisions taken by the Board of Studies in Psychology and Academic Council in the past."

The letter further states, "This decision is going against the interest of the subject and is discriminatory in nature. I express my strong disapproval of the decision and humbly request you to look into the matter at the earliest, as the subject of psychology is getting diluted." When contacted, Kumar denied to speak on the issue.

The resolution has been signed by Dr Vinod Patil, director of Board of Examinations and Evaluation; Dr Sunil Patil, director of Students' Development and Dr Samir Kulkarni, director of Innovation Incubation and Linkages.

Dr Patil said, "The three-member committee resolution is as per the recommendation of the eligibility section of the varsity." Adding to this, Dr Samir Kulkarni said, "The committee does not say that a certain candidate be admitted. After the eligibility section has given the clearance, the department concerned has to approve it. The traditional practice for this is that the department conducts an aptitude test. The three-member committee, which was formed by the authorities, has simply stated that such a test be held for the candidate. The intention is only to ensure that the candidate's year is not lost in the procedural delay. The decision after all is of the department, which will conduct the test and evaluate the candidate."

Meanwhile, Sridhar Pednekar from ChatraBharati students organisation said, "This is injustice to Indian students, who have been denied admission for not meeting the same criterion. How can the varsity administration ignore admission criteria for one candidate?" When contacted, MU PRO Leeladhar Bansod said, "The committee has only recommended an aptitude test and not admission. If there is any further development on the letter, we will share it."