The Hindu : New Delhi News : Low attendance at DTU exams

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Tuesday, Mar 16, 2010
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Low attendance at DTU exams

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Even as unrest continued at Delhi Technological University (DTU) here on Monday, the mid-semester examinations began with the authorities reporting a low attendance of students in the morning shift of the B.E./B.Tech. examinations.

In a release, DTU said the situation improved considerably in the afternoon shift with a total of 88 students appearing for the under-graduate examinations. All exams for M.Tech. courses were reportedly held as per schedule at almost full strength.

The authorities alleged that the low attendance was primarily because the agitating students prevented others from taking the examination. The university claimed that it had made all necessary arrangements for conducting the examinations including security for those who were to appear in the exam. The exams would be held on Tuesday as per schedule.

The expelled students and another student leader met Vice-Chancellor P. B. Sharma in the presence of the Dean of Students Welfare and DTU Cultural Council chairman. The authorities appealed to the students to respect the academic calendar of the university and extend all cooperation to uphold the dignity and honour of the institution. The authorities also assured the students that their genuine suggestions to improve the academic environment of the university would be considered.

The student leaders were also asked to call off their agitation in the larger interest as non-appearance in examinations and disruption of academic schedule damaged the institution's reputation and harmed students' interest. This could also affect the 520 offers which had already been received by final year students for placements in reputed companies.

According to the authorities, some students who wanted to take the examinations had been threatened and quoted an SMS to the effect. The university reiterated that the students should take their examinations without fear.

Nitin Bariya, who was expelled, said: “About 97 per cent of the students did not appear for the examinations. We were called for a meeting with the authorities and we were asked to sign a joint statement which required us to suspend our agitation, take the examinations and respect the university's academic calendar.”

“We did not sign the statement as we want a reply from the State Government. We will continue with our boycott and agitation,” he added.

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