Getting a certificate from the Osmania University controller of examinations after completing graduation or postgraduation or other courses takes 10 days to 40 days depending on the course and certificate. But if you approach brokers waiting outside the examination branch, you can get your work done within days and if you can afford the price they will arrange the certificate you need on the same day you apply.
The brokers wait just outside the counters of the examination branch where the clerks receive application forms from candidates. They enter into conversation with the students on the pretext of advising them and enquire if they needed the certificate urgently. If yes, they take some money in advance promising them to get the certificate issued within a couple of days.
A visit to the examination branch brought to light the manner in which the brokers are having a field day.
A candidate, who had passed her graduation from a affiliated college in 2011, wanted to apply for convocation certificate. A broker, while guiding her in filling up the application form, promised to get her the certificate in a couple of days time if she was ready to pay Rs 200. When the girl said the amount was big, he said he would have to grease the palms of the office staff to get the work done.
Normally, issuance of a convocation certificate takes 25 days at the university which has over 3 lakh students studying various courses in its affiliated, constituent and campus colleges. There are two ways of getting a certificate from the OU _ either visit the examination branch in person on a given date to collect the certificate after submitting an application or wait to get it by post.
The candidate must show an identity card issued by the government while collecting the certificate in person. The university administration does not issue certificates to persons other than the candidates. But brokers have the right contacts and they collect certificates from the office on behalf of the candidates within two days. That means the staff are in collusion with brokers. There is a danger inherent in it. There are chances that the broker might misuse or tamper with the certificate or blackmail the candidate for some extra money at the time of handing over certificate to the candidate.
When approached, controller of examinations Bikshamaiah said that he too had received a number of complaints from various quarters over the presence of the brokers at examination branch and they even handed over a broker to the police recently after conducting a surprise visit to the counters. Asking the students not to fall prey to the touts, he warned that they would suspend any employee found in colluding with the brokers.
“Very soon we are going to write on the walls around examination branches cautioning the candidates arriving to examination branch over the presence of brokers around the area, he said.