MU Academic Council approves sports fee revision

The Academic Council of Mangalore University approved the revision of the sports fee collected from students in government first-grade colleges affiliated to the university.

Physical Education department convenor Dr Kishore Kumar C K informed members at the academic council meeting on Tuesday that universities organise 45 to 48 inter-collegiate sports competitions annually. Due to the paucity of funds, many students from government colleges were not able to participate in many events.

Presently, students participate in about five to seven sports events as government colleges receive sports funds between Rs 20,000 and 25,000 annually.

“Presently, Mangalore University has fixed Rs 260 as sports fee for degree colleges and Rs 290 as sports fee for students pursuing PG courses,” he noted.

“After the revision, the fee will be Rs 500 for undergraduate students and Rs 580 for post-graduate students. The fee collected, will be shared equally between the varsity and college and help more students to take part in the sports competitions,” he added.

Kumar said that due to the paucity of funds, often physical education teachers spend from their pockets to send students to sports events. The Joint Director of Collegiate Education also approved the hike in sports fee in order to increase opportunities for students in the competitions.

Registrar Prof A M Khan said that a circular on the revision of sports fees will be issued to all the government colleges affiliated to the university. College principals should furnish details of the utilisation of fee to the university at the end of the academic year.

Maternity leave

Chairman of a local inquiry committee highlighted the issue of private colleges denying maternity leave to female teaching and non-teaching staff during the meeting.

“Women employees are asked to quit when they seek maternity leave. Paid leave should be granted as per the government guidelines,” he added.

In reply, Registrar Prof A M Khan said: “A circular will be issued to all private colleges to bring staff whose monthly income is below Rs 21,000 under ESI facility. Women employees will get paid six months maternity leave by ESIC. Those without ESI, should get paid three months maternity leave,” he added.

Mangalore University would conduct special examinations for students who miss their semester exams because they are participating sports events at the zonal level or other competitions.

“The Governor (who is chancellor of all varisities in the state) has approved the proposal. It is applicable to NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, Scouts & Guides, and those who participate in cultural competitions at the zonal, national and international level,” informed the registrar.