Sambalpur GM University exams postponed for ‘Nua O’ programme; 'VK Pandian playing with our future'

The examinations of the Undergraduate and Post-Graduate programmes at Gangadhar Meher (GM) University in Sambalpur have been postponed, triggering resentment among the students. It is learnt that the examinations have been rescheduled to facilitate ‘Nua O’ programme.

The exams for third semester undergraduates and postgraduates, which were scheduled for January 13, were rescheduled to January 24 following a letter from Zilla Parishad.

As per reports, a ‘Nua O’ programme by the Odisha government has been scheduled to be organised at Mandalia ground on Saturday. Therefore, the Zilla Parishad asked the University authorities to postpone the exam to a later date. BJD leader VK Pandian is scheduled to attend tomorrow's programme.

“Due to the organization of Nua-O Fest on 13.01.2024 at Mandalia Ground, Sambalpur as per the letter of Zilla Parishad, Sambalpur, the Third Semester (Regular/Back/Imp) Examinations, 2023 of Under Graduate (Arts, Science, Commerce, B.Sc. 1ST, BBA, B.A. B.Ed. & B.Sc. B.Ed.) / Seventh Semester (Regular/Back/Imp) Examinations, 2023 of B.A. B.Ed. & B.Sc. B.Ed. / Third Semester (Regular/Back/Imp) Examinations, 2023 of Post Graduate (Arts, Science, Commerce) / Third Semester (Regular/Back/imp) Examinations, 2023 of MCA, MBA & MBA(FM) scheduled on 13.01.2024 (1st Sitting & 2nd Sitting) is shifted to 24.01.2024,” the varsity said in a notice.

“The above-mentioned examinations will be conducted from 09:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. in 1st Sitting & 1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. in 2nd Sitting on the dates specified,” the University added.

The students on the other hand expressed their resentment over the postponement of their exams. Speaking to OTV, a student said, “This is exams season and almost every University and college is holding exams. Postponement of the same will put adverse effect on us.”

“We will be disturbed by the ‘Nua O’ programme during our exams. The government rescheduled our exams to make us take part in their political programme. It is very bad for our education system,” she said.

Another student said, “The government is rescheduling our exams only to make VK Pandian’s visit to Sambalpur a success. The district administration and even the University Professors are trying to send students to Pandian’s programme to make it a success. That is why they have postponed the exams.”

"Pandian sir himself became an IAS officer by studying. Now, when its our turn to study, he is playing with our future for his vested and political interests." the student added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Congress party opposed organising the "Nabin Odisha programme beside Rajendra University campus in Bolangir during the exams yesterday.

They alleged that when Rajendra University is grappling with lecturer shortage, the government is holding political programmes with public money.

The members of the Congress party set out in a rally from Rajendra College Square with placards and banners in their hands.