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Berhampur: Protests erupted at Khallikote Autonomous College in Berhampur today after a few students were barred from sitting in the semester examinations reportedly on account of low attendance in the academic session. Sources said more than 15 PG students of Political Science and Chemistry have bore the brunt of the alleged mismanagement of authorities.
As per these students, they had provided medical certificates to their respective departments for remaining absent during the classes. Even their admit cards were released in the official website of the college, availing which they went to appear for the exams.
However, the department heads reportedly refused to allow them to take the examinations citing that they have failed to fulfil the minimum attendance criteria (75%). Later when the students said that they were eligible based on the generation of hall tickets, the college authorities maintained the same stating that the error in website has been impacted by computer glitch.
“I have spine problem and the doctor treating me had advised to take complete bed rest for two months. I have the medical reports with me. Still I am not being allowed to sit in the exam,” alleged a girl student, Lakhyahira Behera.
Reportedly, all the students who have been barred filed a written complaint with the management urging them to grant permission to write the examinations. However, their request has allegedly fallen on deaf ears.
Speaking on the issue, College Chairman Prof Uttamaa Jena stated that all attendance-related rules are followed as per the guidelines issued by the government and because the students failed to fulfil the required attendance of 75 per cent, they were not allowed to sit in the exams.
“The admit cards generating on the website was a software issue. We have time and again reminded them about the minimum attendance criteria. The departments even conducted remedial classes to adjust the required percentage of attendance. Still the attendance of many of these barred students read below 40%. They don’t have to be anxious about this as they can appear back paper exams. For now, I will forward their grievances to the RD,” assured Jena.
