Grace mark issue troubles varsity officials

By K. Ramachandran

CHENNAI, MARCH 24. The ``half per cent grace mark'' issue continues to trouble the Madras University administrators. Though the issue was ratified and approved by the University Syndicate recently, higher-ups in the Government have called a halt to the process.

The official position now is: any decision on awarding grace marks to enable a student to get a pass or a higher classification, has been put on hold till it is finally resolved in Court.

In March 1998, a Syndicate committee recommended the awarding of 0.5 per cent of the total marks for students as grace marks, so that they can get a higher classification. The full Syndicate later resolved that wherever the aggregate percentages were 39.5, 49.5, 54.5 and 59.5, grace marks of 0.5 per cent could be given so that the total aggregate percentage reaches the next higher integer, 40, 50, 55 and 60 per cent.

This was applicable to students who took their examination in April 1997 and later. In April 1998 examinations for B.E/B.Arch courses, this was implemented with the concurrence of the Board of Examiners.

But when 0.5 per cent grace marks was sought to be given to failed candidates, that too only to those who had applied for the benefit, the Madras University Teachers Association moved the High Court, protesting it.

The Court stayed the operation of the Board of Examiners' decision as ``arbitrary and contrary to the Syndicate Resolution''.

Later, even while refusing to give any clarification, the Court, suggested that the Syndicate could itself decide either to modify the earlier resolution or move a fresh one.

Armed with a legal opinion, the university administrators felt recently that the Syndicate could review the entire matter to award grace marks to those who have applied for retotalling/revaluation, and to lay down fresh guidelines in the issue.

The authorities felt that the grace marks could be awarded in the interest of the students. Already, since 677 students including 330 engineering course candidates, of the total of 1600-plus of those eligible, had been granted the grace marks, they argued and suggested that the grace marks be given to others also.

However, it is learnt that the University Teachers Association took up the matter with the Higher Education Secretary. Its contention was that failed candidates could not be given grace marks to secure a pass. The move has now been given up for the present.

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