Calls for guv, govt to resolve exam stalemate

Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has failed to end the deadlock over final year/semester examinations in the last two weeks. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and other organizations, along with many academicians, have written letters to chancellor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to resolve the issue at the earliest.
These letters say the students and their parents are suffering immensely due to constant change of stand by the ruling dispensation regarding the complex issue. Moreover, the opposition by the chancellor to the government’s stand of cancelling all exams due to Covid-19 pandemic was adding to their woes, since no one was coming out clearly on the issue, which had taken a political colour.
“In such worldwide crisis, where Covid-19 cases are spiralling with each passing day, it seems impossible to conduct the exams for lakhs of students, putting their lives at risk. At this stage, no one can predict how long this deadly virus will continue to wreak havoc. I’ve requested the chancellor to personally look into the matter,” MNS leader Hemant Gadkari told TOI.
He wrote to Koshiyari to urgently convene a meeting of all stakeholders, including the CM, leader of opposition Devendra Fadnavis, and experts from University Grants Commission (UGC), to find out a solution.
Former Nagpur University Management Council member Sanjay Khadakkar wrote to the chancellor to direct universities to conduct final exams using online multiple choice questions (MCQ). “Maximum students would find it convenient to appear in such exams, which will also allow Covid distancing norms to be followed. Of course, security measures can be integrated in software to prevent malpractices. Those who’re unable to use the online facility due to various reasons, their colleges should be entrusted with the responsibility of arranging it on their campuses while following norms,” he mentioned in the letter.
With no communication from the government, even university officials are in a state of confusion regarding the exams. “We’re also waiting for official word from the government in this regard. I think, the government may hold a review meeting on June 20 as mentioned in its first circular on exams, and then arrive at a decision. In any case, we’re ready with the preparations. If directives come to conduct exams, we will be ready in 20-25 days to hold them with all Covid-19 norms of the government,” Nagpur and Amravati universities vice chancellor Murlidhar Chandekar told TOI.
The ABVP had already slammed the government over its declaration of exam cancellation and awarding average marks to the students based on their past performance.
Probable reasons for delay
* As per Universities Act, exams are mandatory for all students
* After govt decided to cancel exams, Guv opposed its decision
* Govt sought legal opinion from advocate general on cancellation
* In all likelihood, any decision on exams will be challenged in HC
* Govt doesn't want to take any chances, waiting for foolproof solution
* It may take a review by June 20 & then declare its decision on exams