Varsity uses different font for Punjabi typing test

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 23

Despite the Punjabi University has decided to use Unicode fonts for communication purposes on the campus, it has allowed applicants to appear for Punjabi typing tests for promotions using other fonts conducted recently. 

The decision to use Unicode font was taken by the university back in 2014. The university conducted the test for promotion and is checking them manually despite availability of software for it, allegedly to favour applicants. 

The Registrar in 2014 had issued a communication to various teaching and non-teaching departments and heads to use Unicode fonts for all communication purposes on the campus. 

As per the fifth reminder issued in this regard in November 2016, the office said the initiative to implement use of Unicode fonts was taken by then Vice-Chancellor Dr Jaspal Singh.

The office also expressed dissatisfaction that the Unicode fonts were not being used for communication purposes despite various reminders. 

It said, “As per experts, a number of issues can be resolved if departmental work is conducted in Unicode fonts.” Later, the departmental heads also gave an undertaking to the office of Registrar regarding conduct of all communication in Unicode fonts.

Meanwhile, officials said the university conducted a test for promotion of employees from peon to typists on November 20 allowing use of other fonts.

Dr Gurpreet Singh Lehal of the Centre of Artificial Intelligence said the typing test in Punjabi was conducted manually with the use of printed word format write-ups allowing use of fonts other than Unicode.

He said, “Checking tests manually is a time-consuming process. It takes several days to check the tests. All this is done when we already have in place software for the typing test that provides the result within 15 minutes. While the university used Unicode font for all communication, why allow the eligible employees to appear in the test using other fonts.” 

He said manual checking was a cumbersome process and prone to errors. He added the software has already been used for conducting similar tests of over 2,5000 students for state government and departments and has generated income of Rs 40 lakh for the university.

Meanwhile, Registrar Dr Manjit Singh Nijjar said, “The responsibility of conducting the test was given to Dr Kanwaljit Singh, Director, University Computer Centre, and he was directed to conduct the test according to rules of Punjab government and rules passed by the university Syndicate. No deviation from the rules can be done for conduct of the test.”