REPORTEDLY, the government has decided on principle to introduce a new system of admission to public universities, to start with it will be tried out on about 23. From whatever details available so far about the proposed system of intake, it would, we are certain, reduce time and expenditure, and all the other hassles associated with university admission.

The idea of arranging universities in clusters and requiring the candidates to take only one test for a particular discipline entitling them admission in any of the cluster universities is a very innovative idea indeed, and one that, we feel, merits consideration of all the universities.

A groundbreaking and innovative system was introduced last year by way of online admission to universities, which we are certain has helped, to a very large extent, save effort and time of all concerned including that of the universities. We understand that the idea, to admit students in the honours classes based on the cluster system, was first mooted two years ago, but could not proceed due to resistance from certain quarters.

We are for anything that simplifies life and ensures quality of intake. We note, however that several universities, particularly those belonging to the local 'ivy league' have expressed their reservations about the new system to the extent where a few vice-chancellors considered transiting to the new procedure almost sacrilegious. The position is quite understandable. As with all new systems, the newly proposed admission procedure will take time as well as a positive attitude to adapt and adjust. But the benefits should not be lost on anyone. Instead of outright rejection, it is advisable to try out the system which can always be discarded if it fails to deliver.

Given that the current admission methods have been brazenly subjected to distortions, exploitation and misuse, there is a case for innovative arrangements that will help to circumvent the lacunae in the current system. Who is not aware of the "admission trade” that the student fronts of the major political parties have been indulging in? Regrettably, there are instances where the faculty members too have become a party to the trade. Using available technology to plug the gaps in any system, and to make the system user friendly so to speak, should be welcome by all.

We feel that the cluster system certainly has strong rationale and is always worth a try by all concerned.