Distance education enrollees yet to get study materials

The Bangalore University is at it again. Though the number of admissions for its distance education programme has crossed 10,000, the enrollees are yet to get study materials.

“This is my second enrollment for the distance education programme. I remember the directorate providing study materials just a month before the examinations in the past. We were provided just the photocopy of the textbooks," Diwakar, a second-time enrolee for the distance education programme, told DH.

"Now, the admissions are done. But when we ask for the textbooks, the BU officials are clueless about it,” Diwakar added.

“Earlier, there were a lot of irregularities in the distance education directorate, which made the University Grants Commission (UGC) to cancel the recognition. This time also we fear that the issues may cost the recognition,” a BU official alleged.

However, Dr B C Mylrappa, director (in-charge) distance education programme, BU, rubbished the allegations.

“We will finalise the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a private player by next week. Students don’t have to worry. We promise them that the study materials will reach them maximum by 15 days or one month once the process is done,” Mylrappa said.

When asked about the reason for the delay and quality of the notes, Mylarappa added: “This was due to the scarcity of resource persons. Senior professors were roped in for this. It was a lot of time-consuming work. Students will get proper textbooks. We have come far ahead from those photocopies or bazar notes, which was one of the reasons for the UGC to cancel the recognition.”

Along with the hard copy, the directorate of distance education department will also upload the syllabus and notes on its website. Students will also be provided with CDs.

“We are negotiating the deal with publishers. Of course, there is no compromise in the quality of books. Students will get the notes in advance,” Venugopal K R, BU vice chancellor, said.