Kozhikode: The functioning of National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) here went out of gear on Wednesday after students launched an indefinite siege protesting against the restriction for supplementary provision for students having a backlog in first and second levels.
They also demanded a favourable grading system, permanent staff instead of ad hoc faculties and other facilities. They say those with backlog were not even allowed to register for the final semester. In some courses instead of trained faculties majority are less experienced ad hoc instructors and last year four teachers got changed over a period of four months.
Hundreds of students who laid siege to the main gate from 8 am refused to allow vehicles and visitors onto the campus. The NIT authorities declined to talk insisting they should call off the agitation first.
In the afternoon police from Mukkam intervened and threatened to take action against their leaders. The authorities also warned them of disciplinary action against six of them, their leaders alleged.
Media committee member Shone Alex said the institution was denying them quality education, necessary facilities and a relaxed examination procedure. In 4th semester mathematics, 110 students failed due to the inefficiency of teachers, claimed Nivedh, a final year student.
However, the office of NITC dean (academic) in a press release defended the moves and said the denial of registration for those with arrears papers in first and second levels at the final semester has resulted in more students passing the course and thus lesser percentage of retention as compared to previous batches.
The possibility of offering summer course for some batches (B13, B14 and B16) shall be discussed at the next senate meeting, it said. It also said that if a student has only one course to complete, the possibility of offering it as a contact course shall be discussed.
