Bangalore: The Task force set up by the Karnataka Government on Higher Education in its report has recommended sweeping reforms in the system of examinations, granting autonomy to colleges and further develop educational opportunities by the distance mode.

The Task Force headed by former member of the Planning Commission, M R Srinivasan submitted its report to Chief Minister N Dharam Singh.

Singh said the report would be placed before the State Cabinet meeting soon and a Cabinet-sub-committee formed to suggest implementation of the recommendations.

Srinivasan told reporters that it strongly endorsed the need to further develop educational opportunities by distance mode to increase access to higher education.

At the same time, the education imparted by distance mode should be assured of quality to see that it was not seen as second-best education, he said.

The Task Force supported the semester and credit system and the "cafeteria approach" for better curriculum planning to give students the opportunity to take courses across disciplines and faculty and opposed uniform syllabus.

It suggested that the present system of examinations be thoroughly revamped with universities having powers to set examination only for the third year of undergraduate studies and for the first two years, the colleges or university department should have internal examinations.

It has also favoured enhancement of scholarship for physically challenged students in higher education.