CU rejects demand to postpone exams, students continue protest

Calcutta University (CU) authorities on Monday rejected students’ demand to postpone part three Honours examinations. 

CU pro V-C Academy Swagata Sen said that the examinations will not be postponed and will be held as per the previous schedule of the university. 

The students on Monday staged demonstration in front of the CU’s main entrance gate demanding the postponement of the examinations. 

CU official said that there is no question of any problem suffered by students as exam dates were not preceded or followed by the election dates. Around 2,000 students among 70,000 students, who are to appear in the examination, are continuing with their agitation for the postponement of exams. No one has the right to delay the examinations unnecessarily when the majority is eager to sit in the examination. 

The university authorities clearly said that the exams scheduled on April 1, 6, 8, 13 and May 3, 25 will take place on the same days. 

The principals of various colleges had already talked to the Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi who is also the Chancellor of the university stating that they had no objections if the exams were held as per the schedule.  

The students demanded the postponement of the exams as they will face problems due to use of loudspeakers in election campaigns during the examinations. Many of the students who come from distant districts will not be able to cast their votes because of their examinations.  

The students also submitted deputations to the Governor and the Election Commission officials urging them to postpone the exams. The Election Commission officials told the students that it was not under purview of the commission. 

The commission had nothing to do with the exam schedule and it would only ensure the security of the students during the polls.  

The Governor said that the students must understand which is more important to them, casting votes or appearing in the examinations. 

Meanwhile, some students continued their demonstration in front of the university main gate till late evening.