Over 1 lakh convocation certificates, lying with the University of Mumbai, will be cut into pieces and burnt. The reason for the mass destruction of the certificates is the lack of storage space in the Varsity godowns. Since most of the certificates are laminated they would have to be burnt to prevent misuse, says Varsity sources. The destruction is expected to happen in June.
The certificates lying in the Varsity godowns for the last 25 years, are for graduation, post graduation and diploma courses, but have not been collected by students despite reminders.
The Board of Examinations (BOE) of the varsity will be destroying degree certificates till the year 2000.
The varsity confers over 1,100 degrees and diplomas every year with over 80,000 students apply for the degrees.
According to Varsitys Controller of Examination S M Suryavanshi, Despite repeated reminders students have failed to collect their degree certificates since 1978.
When are the certificates made?
Every year in December, the varsity organises a convocation ceremony where students, who have graduated from the varsity, are awarded degrees.
As per the varsity rule, a student can apply for the degree certificate after the Convocation ceremony. It does not matter in which year the student graduated.
The varsity prepares the certificates after the students pay the required fees.
Students are expected to collect the certificates within a month of paying the fees, but students forget about their degrees for years, said varsity sources.
Earlier, the varsity used to remind students to collect their degrees. When students failed to respond, we stopped the practice of sending personal reminders and started issuing newspaper notices. But that has also not helped, said a varsity official at the Examination House, situated at the Vidyanagri campus of the varsity in Santacruz (east). Degree certificates
The University of Mumbai was established in the year 1857. Though students get their mark sheets after their graduation and post graduation examinations, technically the student becomes a graduate only after receiving the degree certificate.
The Convocation Ceremony is an important function for the varsity where degrees are awarded to students in person.
The Varsity issues forms for collection of degrees for fees of Rs 250, and an additional Rs 50 for students who miss the form dates.
Unlike other universities, the varsity does not charge a fine to students for late collection of degrees.
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