In the wake of a bribery scandal involving the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), numerous colleges in West Bengal are expressing dissatisfaction with the shift from anticipated physical assessments to online evaluations. This transition follows the arrest of NAAC officials accused of accepting bribes in exchange for favorable accreditation ratings, prompting a reevaluation of assessment protocols to ensure transparency and integrity.
Background of the Scandal
The controversy centers around allegations that officials from the Guntur-based Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF) colluded with NAAC assessors to secure higher accreditation grades through illicit means. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested ten individuals, including prominent academicians, uncovering cash, gold, and incriminating documents during nationwide raids.
Impact on West Bengal Colleges
Prior to these developments, many colleges in West Bengal were preparing for physical inspections, believing that direct interactions with assessors would provide a comprehensive evaluation of their institutions. Physical visits were seen as opportunities to showcase facilities, engage in meaningful dialogues, and clarify nuances that might be overlooked in a virtual format. However, in response to the scandal, NAAC has decided to conduct assessments exclusively online for colleges, aiming to eliminate opportunities for corruption and ensure a fair evaluation process.
This abrupt change has left many institutions apprehensive. As of last year, only about 20% of colleges in West Bengal had achieved NAAC accreditation, a credential crucial for enhancing reputation and accessing government funding. Administrators fear that online assessments may not capture the full scope of their institutions’ strengths and improvements, potentially affecting their accreditation outcomes.
Concerns Raised by Institutions
Several concerns have been voiced by college administrators regarding the online assessment model:
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Technical Challenges: Rural colleges, in particular, are worried about inadequate internet connectivity and technical infrastructure, which could hinder the smooth conduct of virtual evaluations.
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Lack of Clear Guidelines: The specifics of the online assessment procedures have yet to be fully detailed, leaving institutions uncertain about how to prepare effectively.
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Depth of Evaluation: There is skepticism about whether online assessments can adequately capture qualitative aspects such as campus culture, student engagement, and on-ground facilities.
NAAC’s Response and Future Directions
In light of the scandal and subsequent critiques, NAAC has initiated several measures:
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Overhaul of Assessment Personnel: Approximately 900 assessors have been removed from evaluation duties due to protocol violations and concerns over integrity.
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Reform of Accreditation Systems: NAAC is considering a shift to a binary accreditation system, classifying institutions simply as “Accredited” or “Not Accredited,” to reduce pressures associated with graded assessments and mitigate opportunities for manipulation.
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