Maharaja’s College students boycott exams

The examinations of BA, BSc and BCom were boycotted by around 650 students who belong to the first batch of the autonomous college. Only around 60 students attended the exam. The boycott was led by the SFI-controlled Maharaja’s College Union.

Maharaja’s College SFI unit president Balu Pradeep told DC on Thursday that the college authorities were conducting the exams without covering the portions. “The teachers haven’t completed the portions. For different courses, they need to take classes for 90 days whereas they have taken only 35 to 45 days’ classes. How can they expect the students to write the exams well without studying the subject?” said Balu Pradeep.

The students who boycotted the classes gheraoed principal Beena N. L. in the afternoon. “The principal told us that our grievance will be addressed, if found true. However, we are not satisfied with the stand and will boycott the semester exams on Friday also. The authorities, including the government, claimed that the college was made autonomous to raise the standard of education. Is this the way to do it?” asked Balu Pradeep.

The students are also upset over the authorities’ insistence that students should have 75 per cent attendance. “They have not conducted the classes fully. Then how can they insist on attendance?” he asked. Balu Pradeep claimed that rest of the students too will join the strike on Friday.

Principal Beena told DC that the first semester exams will be held till December 18 as scheduled. “We have constituted a committee comprising the principal, teachers and students' representatives to verify the issue of not covering the portions and take remedial measures and then conduct the exams once again. However, the current exams will go on,” she said.