Gujarat University blocks social sites
Ban comes after the university finds its staff spending time on Facebook, Twitter and other networking sites during work hours
Yogesh Avasthi
Posted On Friday, September 07, 2012 (http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/3/201209072012090702583522375f58632/Gujarat-University-blocks-social-sites.html)
Barring educational websites, all other sites like sports, stock exchange and entertainment have been blocked. “When I was in-charge, it came to my notice that teaching and nonteaching staff surf net and kill their significant time on the social sites during work hours.
The internet has been provided for educational purpose and other office related work. It’s not for socialisation. To curb the internet misuse, I decided to block the social cites and other websites.
However, websites related to educational research and content can be accessed easily,” said Mukul Shah, pro-vicechancellor of Gujarat University. “While most staff would be seen surfing FB and Twitter, there are employees who would do share trading online. And all these activities were at the cost of work. This has only resulted in the piling of work,” said a source in the university.
TRIVEDI TOO TRIED IT
About four years ago, former vicechancellor Parimal Trivedi had also tried to ban the social sites. However, after some time, the sites were accessible again. Gujarat University General Employee Association President Jagdish Parmar said: “It will not affect work if employees surf net during lunch hours or when they are free. But it definitely affects work if staff are engaged during the office hours.
Several employees were found surfing social sites during peak hours. But for a dedicated employee, the decision is hardly a matter of discussion. And websites related to official use are accessible. Therefore, there will be no complaints from them.”
Not wishing to be named, an university employee said: “Those who would get regular updates of stocks or cricket by a click in a second will now spend more time on cellphones. They are addicted, so they will call people to get information. This will, in fact, kill more time.”
A teacher from Bhasa Bhavan said: “I don’t want to condemn or praise the decision. It is about morality and how an individual takes it. People share ideas on Twitter and FB as they provide a platform for a healthy discussion. But if the university believes that banning the sites will enhance the productivity of its employees, then it is a welcome move.”
