No compromise acceptable in the matter of attendance, says Partha

Kolkata: State Education minister Partha Chatterjee made it clear on Tuesday that there should be no compromise in the matter of attendance, in the colleges under Calcutta University.

Responding to a poser on the agitation at Joypuria College on Monday evening after around 204 students were not allowed to appear for examination due to low attendance, the minister said, "The Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) has been introduced in all the colleges, where 10 marks has been reserved for attendance. There will be no compromise in this matter."

A section of students had sat on demonstration in front of the room of college principal Ashok Mukherjee, demanding that the 204 students who have been disallowed to sit for examination, should be allowed to do so.

They also demanded slashing of fees, which they claimed have been hiked from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000. They further alleged irregular classes in the college.

The agitation had continued till 1:20 am on Tuesday and was lifted only after intervention of the police. The principal and some senior teachers who remained stuck inside the college due to the agitation, also left late in the night.

With regards to alleged failure on the part of the police to arrest those named in the FIR of the alleged ragging at St. Paul's Cathedral College in Amherst Street, the minister said, "They have been instructed to execute the arrest by the administration and they will have to do it."

On being questioned about the college suspending the non-teaching staff named in the complaint but taking no action against the three students who are also accused, he said, "If the college drags its feet over the incident, then Calcutta University, to which it is affiliated, will take a tough stand against the college."

A student at St. Paul's Cathedral College was allegedly made to parade naked and the video circulated in social media after he had enquired about college funds.