Edu Min attacks UGC over insistence on exams

Nagpur: The uncertainty over conducting final year examinations continues following differences between Centre and state governments.
State higher education minister Uday Samant had earlier tweeted that the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) should learn from Amitabh Bachchan and his family getting Covid-19.He also pointed at virus reaching chancellor Bhagat Singh Koshyari residence where 16 of his staff members were found positive and the governor went into self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.
Later, in evening he reiterated the government’s stand of not being able to conduct the exams due to sudden surge in the coronavirus positive cases. His announcement came after Monday’s meeting of State Disaster Management Authority held under chief minister Uddhav Thackeray where the issue was discussed in detail.
The minister had already written two letters to UGC and MHRD, expressing inability to hold exams amid pandemic. “We are not of the view that exams shouldn’t be conducted. However, in view of current situation, it is almost impossible to hold them considering the risk involved,” he said.
Earlier, Samant had passed the buck on dropping the exams to vice-chancellors, stating it was their opinion. On Monday, he reiterated that all 13 VCs of traditional universities in state had written to the government that exams weren’t possible in present circumstances. “Even the teaching community is not in favour of holding exams. Therefore, forcing the non-professional students to appear in papers would be a risky affair and a threat to their health. If UGC is issuing guidelines, would it take students’ responsibility,” the minister asked.
Citing a case of a Bangalore student, who contracted the virus while appearing in some test, Samant said as many as nine states had categorically declined to conduct exams and discussion would be held with their CMs. “Many schools, colleges, and hostels have now turned into quarantine centres. The students’ books, notes, desktops, and other material are kept there. It is very difficult for the outstation students to return in absence of transportation,” he said.
Calling on the universities to declare results of students as per their respective formulae, the minister said once the effect of contagion had reduced and situation improved, those who want to improve grades would be allowed to appear in exams.
“The universities are already directed to take written consent from the students interested in getting marklists and degree certificates. For others, timetable should be declared for their percentage improvement exams after consulting with the respective collectors and officials of disaster management authority,” he said.
# Samant speaks:
* Coronavirus reached secured premises of Raj Bhavan & Amitabh Bachchan’s home
* UGC must understand holding exams would be playing with students’ lives
* If UGC is issuing guidelines, would it take students’ responsibility?
* Nine states declined to conduct exams, discussions to be held with their CMs
* Universities to declare results of students as per their respective formulae
* They need to take written consent from students for handing over marklists & degrees
* After situation improves, grade improvement exams to be held for students