Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad (UoH) has allegedly denied bonafide certificates to students who participated in the Vemula protest.
A student from the science department was shocked when he was denied a certificate. “I needed the signature of the head of my department for the issuance of a bonafide certificate. However, she said that she couldn’t sign the form because I had participated in the protest and there could be a criminal case against me.” he says
“Despite repeated pleas, she said that it was a liability that she was not willing to accept,” he added. The student had to approach at least three different officials before he was given the certificate.
A member of the students’ union says that it is sad for a student to have to go through an ordeal to get a certificate that is mandatory for job applications. He adds that the university is making new entrants sign declarations stating that they will not participate in protests.
The university authorities deny having withheld bonafide certificates. They say that a certificate cannot be issued if there is a criminal case against the student, and so they have to verify that there is no case pending.
Devesh Nigam, the Controller of Examinations, says, “The signature of the head of department is required only to confirm that there are no un-cleared dues. No one will demand the details of legal cases. So far, no student has approached me with this issue.”
