University Administration Strict on Lax System; Despite Online Leave Module Implemented on Samarth Portal, Offline Applications Still Being Submitted in Some Departments; Registrar Issues Stern Warning
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: Despite directives from the government and the Chancellor's office to make the functioning of higher educational institutions and universities completely transparent, digital, and paperless, a glaring example of how administrative laxity and arbitrary behavior persist has come to light in Bhagalpur. At Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU), the 'Leave Module' has been fully implemented on the 'Samarth Portal' for the leave of teachers and staff. Despite this, the practice of ignoring rules has not stopped across several departments and units. Even after the launch of the online digital system, some individuals continue unabatedly on the old path, submitting offline applications. The university administration has taken this serious negligence very strictly, and the registrar has issued a stern warning letter to all unit heads.
What is the Whole Matter? Samarth Portal and the Mandate of the Leave Module
The 'Samarth Portal' was launched under the Digital India campaign to bring transparency to university operations and free people from the endless cycle of file movements. Under this, the entire process of applying for leave for teachers and non-teaching staff has been digitized:
Obligation of the Online System: The TMBU administration had issued clear directives that applications for any type of leave (whether casual leave or other leaves) will henceforth be accepted exclusively through the leave module of the Samarth Portal.
Flouting of Rules: Ironically, despite clear orders from higher authorities and the availability of technical systems, several department heads and staff members are turning their backs on this modern system. Instead of applying online via the portal, they continue to accept and forward traditional paper (offline) applications.
University Administration Strict: Registrar Issues Warning Letter
When this matter came to the notice of the university's higher officials, it was treated as administrative indiscipline, and immediate steps were taken:
Action by Registrar Dr. Ramashish Purve: Considering the gravity of the matter, Registrar Dr. Ramashish Purve has issued a clear warning letter to all concerned unit heads, heads of departments, and college principals of the university.
Warning of Action: The letter states in unequivocal terms that despite the implementation of the online system, if offline applications are accepted in the future or the violation of rules continues, disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned unit heads and responsible individuals.
Old Mindset as a Hurdle on the Path of Digitization
There is active discussion in academic circles as to why the tendency to shun technology persists:
Attempt to Evade Transparency: Experts believe that with the implementation of the online system, a complete digital record of leaves is secured, which brings transparency and provides accurate data on how much leave a person has remaining or who stays absent without information. The offline system leaves room for malpractices, which is perhaps why some individuals cannot let go of their attachment to the old system.
Apathy of Staff and Officials: In many places, a lack of technical knowledge or the tendency to avoid learning the new portal is also emerging as a major reason behind this. However, following this stern stance by the administration, panic has rippled through the departments.
This issue regarding leave applications at Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University in Bhagalpur is ample proof that transitioning from a paper-based culture to a digital system is no easy feat. However, following the stern warning issued by the registrar, it is now expected that sluggish departments will spring into action and ensure 100% compliance with the Samarth Portal's leave module, thereby establishing both discipline and transparency in the university's administrative functioning
