A day after the Jamia Milia Islamia University announced smester exams will be conducted via online system from December 21 onwards, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) has demanded the varsity to reassess its decision as many students does not have the laptop, smartphone or networking facility.
In a note to the JMIU vice Leader, NSUI National Secretary Lokesh Chugh said, "We demand to the examination body and the government to reassess the procedures issues for the end term examination. The examination guidelines mention some of the points which are not at all reasonable for a majority of the student inhabitants appearing for the exams."
In his letter, he pointed out that about 50 per cent of the students belong to the SC, ST, and OBC categories. "The needy section doesn't have the basic requirement of a laptop, computer, and smartphone which has been made compulsory in the guidelines. Now we want to ask the concerned authorities what will happen to the student who doesn't have the facility of a computer and laptop or a smartphone," Chugh said.
Another problem is pointed out by NUSI leader that wherein the guidelines mention; it is totally the student's obligation to take care of having proper internet connection, and any other problem relating to the examination. It is basically not possible for any student to predict what will be the situation of internet connectivity.
He said, "There are a lot of places in India where the government themselves claims that they provide 2G connection then how will the students of that area be able to appear for the exams. We request the authorities to also give an option to opt for offline mode. So that every student will be able to appear for the exam."
He advised the government and the authorities to revisit the guidelines and lay down some practical guidelines which will cater to every section of the student population.
"If not then NSUI being the accountable student union will be bound to take the matters on-road and protest for the advantage and rights of the students," Chugh added.