Mumbai University VC launches 'Vidyarthi Samvad' to resolve student problems

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In a first of its kind move which will bring huge respite to over 6.5 lakh students of the Mumbai University, Vice Chancellor Dr Suhas Pednekar has started Vidyarthi Samvad, to meet them and resolve their problems. The VC and other top officials will meet students to resolve their queries and problems regarding examinations and related issues under this initiative.

The first Vidyarthi Samvad was held on Tuesday (April 19). It will be held every Tuesday in the new exam section building at the university's Kalina campus. "The idea is to fast track the process of resolving issues so students can discuss them with the VC in person," said a university spokesperson.

On Tuesday, during the very first session of the Vidyarthi Samvad, nearly 20 to 25 cases were listed before the vice chancellor, however only eight cases were heard. "Students had come from Thane, Kalyan, even Sawantwadi. Most of these cases included demands for online examination. There were also cases of students who had not received their convocation certificate or mark sheets. Students from Shivajirao Jondhale college of Engineering, Asangaon, said that they have back to back exams without any break. Since this is the first offline exam after the pandemic restrictions, they needed a gap between each paper," said an official from the university.

According to students, in the past four and half years, the VC was out of reach for them. Interestingly, Vidyarthi Samvad has been begun when the five-year tenure of the VC is nearing completion.

Students speak

"After four and half years since Dr Pednekar took over as VC, he decided to hold Vidyarthi Samvad. But still, it is a good initiative, and should become regular. It is important for the VC to understand our grievances," said Ashish Dwivedi, a student activist and member of Chatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS).

An LLM student who also participated in the first Vidyarthi Samvad on Tuesday said, "I feel two hours a week will not be enough to give a hearing to cases. Also many students came from far off places. Either the university holds this for two days or increases the time from two hours to four hours at least. Exam related issues are not the only ones students face, so they need to broaden the scope."