<p class="bodytext">In today’s fast paced world, where time is the essence for young graduates eager to launch their careers or pursue higher education, it is alarming that universities fail to provide something as fundamental as an authenticated marks card in a timely manner. This is the predicament faced by many students across Karnataka, who, despite completing their degrees nearly two years ago, are waiting for their final validated academic certificates. The problem stems from the adoption of the Unified University College Management System (UUCMS) under the National Education Policy (NEP) which stipulates new security features for the marks cards. While UUCMS aims to integrate the functioning of all public universities in the state – from admission to assessment – the ambitious overhaul has left students stranded without their official documents.</p>.Karnataka announces 15% hike in bus fares from January 5.<p class="bodytext">Vice-chancellors of the affected universities attribute the delay to legal issues, but the government’s slow response to these hurdles is inexcusable, given the direct impact on the future of students. In the meantime, universities are only issuing transcripts of the marks which are not helpful without proper authentication. This lack of verified documents has left many graduates unable to apply for jobs, further studies or competitive examinations, thwarting their career and academic ambitions. The delays cause a lot more than minor inconvenience; they have the potential to derail entire career paths. Naturally, graduates who have been waiting for so long are left with the constant worry of lost time, missed opportunities, and an uncertain future. The absence of authenticated marks cards places an unnecessary barrier between them and the next phase of their lives.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The failure to issue marks cards is a glaring example of the inability of universities to fulfill basic administrative responsibilities, eroding their credibility. Repeated assurances from the authorities that the problem is being addressed have worn thin. What is urgently needed is a clear, actionable plan with concrete timelines for resolution. Graduates deserve to know when they will receive their authenticated marks cards, and universities must take steps to ensure that future students are not subjected to similar delays. Moreover, the ineffective communication from universities is a clear governance failure. Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar, along with university authorities, must take full responsibility for this lapse. The minister must announce a deadline and ensure that universities give the matter top priority. As the Bombay High Court recently observed, the government has a constitutional duty to ensure quality education and services. Students have a right to timely and efficient services and it is high time Sudhakar demonstrated his commitment to resolving this issue. The time is ticking for these students, and every passing day further risks their future.</p>
<p class="bodytext">In today’s fast paced world, where time is the essence for young graduates eager to launch their careers or pursue higher education, it is alarming that universities fail to provide something as fundamental as an authenticated marks card in a timely manner. This is the predicament faced by many students across Karnataka, who, despite completing their degrees nearly two years ago, are waiting for their final validated academic certificates. The problem stems from the adoption of the Unified University College Management System (UUCMS) under the National Education Policy (NEP) which stipulates new security features for the marks cards. While UUCMS aims to integrate the functioning of all public universities in the state – from admission to assessment – the ambitious overhaul has left students stranded without their official documents.</p>.Karnataka announces 15% hike in bus fares from January 5.<p class="bodytext">Vice-chancellors of the affected universities attribute the delay to legal issues, but the government’s slow response to these hurdles is inexcusable, given the direct impact on the future of students. In the meantime, universities are only issuing transcripts of the marks which are not helpful without proper authentication. This lack of verified documents has left many graduates unable to apply for jobs, further studies or competitive examinations, thwarting their career and academic ambitions. The delays cause a lot more than minor inconvenience; they have the potential to derail entire career paths. Naturally, graduates who have been waiting for so long are left with the constant worry of lost time, missed opportunities, and an uncertain future. The absence of authenticated marks cards places an unnecessary barrier between them and the next phase of their lives.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The failure to issue marks cards is a glaring example of the inability of universities to fulfill basic administrative responsibilities, eroding their credibility. Repeated assurances from the authorities that the problem is being addressed have worn thin. What is urgently needed is a clear, actionable plan with concrete timelines for resolution. Graduates deserve to know when they will receive their authenticated marks cards, and universities must take steps to ensure that future students are not subjected to similar delays. Moreover, the ineffective communication from universities is a clear governance failure. Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar, along with university authorities, must take full responsibility for this lapse. The minister must announce a deadline and ensure that universities give the matter top priority. As the Bombay High Court recently observed, the government has a constitutional duty to ensure quality education and services. Students have a right to timely and efficient services and it is high time Sudhakar demonstrated his commitment to resolving this issue. The time is ticking for these students, and every passing day further risks their future.</p>
