Condemning the decision of Gandhi Museum authorities to ban aspirants of competitive examinations from using the museum premises to study for exams, around 100 aspirants petitioned Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao on Monday requesting his intervention in revoking the ban.
S. Swapna, a transwoman, who is aspiring to crack Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission Group I examination, said the ban was imposed after a group of youngsters belonging to different movements tried to enter the premises last week to protest against National Eligibility-cum Entrance Test.
“However, the authorities are just using that as a reason to deny us permission. They know very well that we use the premises only to study and not protest for anything,” she said.
A. Azhagumurugan, another aspirant, said the open spaces under shades of trees at Gandhi Museum and Madurai Corporation provided them peaceful ambience to study for the examination. “Most of us come from economically poor background. It is difficult to study at home,” he said.
Here, we can exchange information with fellow aspirants, which is crucial for the preparation.
For instance, some aspirants would be making their second or third attempt for a particular examination. Hence, that person can share the experience,” he added.
A. Vignesh, another aspirant, said they also shared study material, which cannot be bought by all. Pointing out that the city lacked such public spaces, he said that it was unfair to restrict entry to the few available places.
Collector Rao assured the youngsters to favourably consider their demand.