Varsity defers offline exams after protests by students

Ranchi: Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU) has postponed its offline examinations that were supposed to be held between August 6 and 20 in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision was taken during a meeting of the university’s academic council on Wednesday.
the vice-chancellor of the university, Dr S N Munda, said: “The students’ union had earlier demanded postponement of offline examinations. During the academic council meeting, teachers, too, expressed the view that it was not safe to conduct the examinations given the present situation.”
Munda said, though, the offline examinations have been postponed, the decision on the remaining schedule would be taken after assessing the pandemic situation later. He said that online examinations announced by the university would continue as per schedule.
Notably, DSPMU Chhatra Sangh members had staged a demonstration outside the university’s main gate on Monday demanding cancellation of offline examinations. The students had also handed over a memorandum to the VC on Tuesday requesting him that offline examinations be conducted only after the Covid pandemic is brought under control and there is sufficient availability of public transport.
Abhishek Minz of DSPMU students’ union welcomed the academic council’s decision. But he added that they would protest again if the university decides to conduct offline examinations before the Covid situation comes under control.