For three years, Madras University had no money to print marksheets

For the last three years, the University of Madras did not print and distribute mark statements and provisional certificates to students passing out of its affiliated colleges. The reason: it had no funds to purchase stationery and get them printed for distribution.

Students seeking to pursue higher studies or joining work had to approach the university in person to get their provisional certificate and mark statements.

Officials at the university, who did not want to be identified, said students pursuing higher studies had to submit proof for the same, such as an admission letter from the university. Students who were joining work were asked to submit a copy of their appointment letter.

This is only but an indicator of the financial doldrums that the university has found itself in over the past few years.

Earlier this year, the Finance Committee had called for drastic cuts to the university’s budget under various heads to manage the financial crisis. Grants from the State government too, dried up, after several audit objections were raised by the Local Fund Audit office.

Relief in sight

However, there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Last month, the university received an additional grant of ₹17.84 crore from the State government. This has eased the crisis a bit. A part of the fund is now being utilised to purchase stationery, and print mark statements and provisional certificates.

“Distributing mark statements to 5.50 lakh students every semester is not an easy task,” said Rita John, Registrar.

“We have started the process of clearing the backlogs. It will take a little time as we have 118 affiliated colleges under us, and 37 autonomous ones,” Prof. John said.

A similar number of students was enrolled under the Institute of Distance Education of the university as well, she added.

The university has managed to complete the printing of certificates at the post-graduate level. It has now started processing the backlog at the undergraduate level, C. Arulvasu, Controller of Examinations, said.