TMCP president warns against involvement in admission

Trinamool Chatra Parishad (TMCP) on Saturday gave instructions to its leaders not to get involved in the admission process in any undergraduate college.

The instructions had been issued by party's student's wing president Jaya Dutta. She has categorically stated that stern action would be taken against those who would get themselves involved in the admission of new students in colleges. TMCP members can set up help desks to assist the students to fill up their forms and then submit them to the college authorities. But giving leaflets to the students bearing the phone numbers of leaders will not be allowed.

In case of admission, decision of the college authorities will be final and it will be given strictly on the basis of merit of the students. It may be recalled that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had cautioned TMCP leaders against taking money from students and later giving them admissions through backdoor.

Over the past few years, complaints had been lodged against some TMCP leaders that they were helping students to get seats in colleges against heavy payments. The state Education minister Partha Chatterjee in a meeting had said that it was the responsibility of the students' unions to organise cultural fests and bring out a magazine and not giving admission to students.

TMCP has opened a grievance cell where students can lodge complaints against leaders and workers. The complaints will be looked into and actions would be taken against those found guilty.

The allegations of accepting money to facilitate admissions were made from many colleges across Bengal. Senior Trinamool Congress leaders including state Education minister Partha Chatterjee had received several complaints against some student union leaders who allegedly took money from the candidates or influenced admission process by using his political power.

In several cases, Chatterjee had instructed the TMCP to dissolve offending college unions. He had warned the leaders to stop infighting and avoid getting involved in the admission process as well.

However, the state government started online admission procedure which was strictly enforced in most of the colleges.

Till last year, the smaller colleges followed both online and manual procedures of admission. The admission process is considered crucial for students' organisations as they get an opportunity to

showcase their presence in the colleges and universities. It also gives them a chance to influence newcomers to join their party.