A day after the Jamia Milia Islamia University announcedsmester exams will be conducted via online system from December 21 onwards, theNational Students Union of India (NSUI) has demanded the varsity to reassessits decision as many students does not have the laptop, smartphone or networkingfacility.
In a note to the JMIU vice Leader, NSUI National Secretary Lokesh Chugh said, "We demand to the examination body and the government to reassessthe procedures issues for the end term examination. The examination guidelinesmention some of the points which are not at all reasonable for a majority ofthe student inhabitants appearing for the exams."
In his letter, he pointed out that about 50 per cent of thestudents belong to the SC, ST, and OBC categories. "The needy sectiondoesn't have the basic requirement of a laptop, computer, and smartphone whichhas been made compulsory in the guidelines. Now we want to ask theconcerned authorities what will happen to the student who doesn't have thefacility of a computer and laptop or a smartphone," Chugh said.
Another problem is pointed out by NUSI leader that whereinthe guidelines mention; it is totally the student's obligation to take care ofhaving proper internet connection, andany other problem relating to the examination. It is basically not possible forany student to predict what will be the situation of internet connectivity.
He said, "There are a lot of places in India where thegovernment themselves claims that they provide 2G connection then how will thestudents of that area be able to appear for the exams. We request theauthorities to also give an option to opt for offline mode. So that everystudent will be able to appear for the exam."
He advised the government and the authorities to revisit theguidelines and lay down some practical guidelines which will cater to every sectionof the student population.
"If not then NSUI being the accountable student unionwill be bound to take the matters on-road and protest for the advantage andrights of the students," Chugh added.