‘As a woman VC, girls’ safety my top priority; no serious complaint so far’

Founded in 2014, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University (CBLU) in Bhiwani town caters largely to students from semi-urban and rural areas seeking higher education opportunities. Infrastructural constraints and shortage of

faculty remain a challenge for its administration.

Speaking to The Tribune’s Deepender Deswal, CBLU Vice-Chancellor Deepti Dharmani — the first woman to hold the post at an affiliating university in Haryana — delves into how she is attempting to steer the university forward.

What special courses does the university, which caters mostly to rural & semi-urban area residents, offer?

We are aware of the fact that the university has been set up to provide a platform for students from semi-urban and rural areas, and nearly 75 per cent of our students are girls. The faculty had conduct a survey, wherein university officials visited schools to ask students about what subjects and career options they were interested in. Courses were then designed based on the feedback — in disciplines such as biotechnology, data sciences, sports management, and sports psychology.

Does the university offer job-oriented courses?

We have launched 18 job-oriented weekend courses. Also, the state government has merged the Government College of Education with CBLU, and we plan to develop the college into an exemplary teacher training institute.

What is the varsity’s student and faculty strength?

We have 3,000 students across 30 postgraduate, 13 undergraduate and 18 diploma courses. We are facing a faculty shortage, and limitations pertaining to infrastructure. At present, we have just 34 faculty members, against a demand of 108 teachers.

How do you tackle the massive shortage of teachers?

We have sought teachers on deputation from other institutes. The recruitment process will initiate shortly. Also, we have hired professors of practice, and adjunct and visiting faculty to compensate for the shortage.

Students often complain about delayed marksheets. What will you say about it?

When I took charge, I found that results were released nearly one and half years behind schedule, and examinations were being conducted behind schedule too. We have implemented a lot of reforms to the examination system.

Some complicated issues, pertaining to examinations held some time ago, had emerged.

Taking cognisance of this, I formed a committee, which audited the entire examination process of the university. As many as 4,300 examination-related complaints were resolved by the panel. We have sought complaints from students of earlier batches to resolve all older issues as well.

What safety measures is CBLU taking for its 75 per cent girl students?

As a woman and the Vice-Chancellor, I feel a special responsibility to ensure a secure environment for girl students. I am available at my office and residence round the clock for all students and faculty.

Fortunately, there has been no serious issue or complaint from any girl student so far.

Bhiwani is known as a sports hub. Are there plans to harness its sporting talent ?

The university’s Act and Statute delves into developing the institute as a multi-disciplinary university with a focus on sports. However, the current sports infrastructure is unsatisfactory. I have requested the government to provide funds in this regard. We have started courses in yoga, sports management and sports psychology.

What is the financial status of the young university?

We are managing recurring expenses. But, there is a need to expand infrastructure — for instance, we need a hostel for girls. We have got a grant of Rs 12.5 crore. The government is very considerate in extending financial assistance to us.