Aliah University to allow suspended students to pursue courses

Kolkata: The Aliah University has decided to allow suspended students to pursue their academic programmes from the next academic session starting from July 2019 and the expelled students to complete their academic programmes after conclusion of one year of their expulsion, which ends on September 28.

It may be recalled that nine students were suspended and five expelled from the varsity, after they were found guilty of beating up some students and teachers in September last year.

The varsity has decided that none of these students will be allowed to pursue higher education or study any other course apart from their present vocation in the university. They will also not be allowed hostel accommodation.

The suspended and expelled students have been on hunger strike since April 2 at the New Town campus of the varsity, demanding that the punishment against them be revoked.

"It is not the first time they have resorted to such activities in the campus. They have been suspended on more than one occasion for activities that do not go with the spirit of the institution. There are also police cases against some of them. The decision has been taken by the Executive Council (EC), which is the highest decision-making body of the university. So at this juncture, there is no question of taking a soft stand against them," said Vice-Chancellor of Aliah University M. Ali.

However, the V-C said that he is ready to hold talks with the students if they withdraw their hunger strike. It may be mentioned that the students had submitted request letters to the varsity, seeking forgiveness and permission to sit for examination to complete their respective courses.