The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Parties hail decision to scrap CET

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 08, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Parties hail decision to scrap CET

Special Correspondent

``Ensure there are no irregularities in single window system of counselling''

CHENNAI: Leaders of various political parties have welcomed the State Government's decision to scrap the common entrance test (CET) for admission to professional courses. The executive of the Tamil Nadu unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which met here on Monday said there was confusion about admissions for higher education last year following court judgments. The Government's decision had put an end to apprehensions that such a situation may prevail this year also. However, the Government should ensure that there were no irregularities in the single window system of counselling. The reservation rule should be followed strictly. It should also put an end to the practice of private colleges collecting separate application fees, party secretary N. Varadarajan said in a press release.

"Belated decision"

While welcoming the Government's stand, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko said that it was a belated decision. The Government should have taken a decision at the beginning of the current academic year. This would have prevented the hardship that the candidates and the parents had undergone. Those who had secured high marks in the entrance examination would be disappointed. The Government should take steps to refund the entrance examination fee and the counselling fee.

Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani said the decision would help first-generation students, particularly from the rural areas, to join professional colleges. Any move to hinder its implementation through courts should be nipped in the bud.

The State president of the Tamil Nadu Government Officials Union, G. Sooriyamurthy, said the abolition of the CET would bring immense relief to middle-income families.

The Tamizhaga Aasiriyar Kootani, the Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary School Vocational Teachers Kazhagam, the Tamil Nadu Elementary School Teachers Federation and the Doctors Association for Social Equality have also welcomed the decision.

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