Members of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) have come out in protest at the Arts Faculty in North Campus against the new system of online entrance examinations for postgraduate courses.
Indefinite hunger strike
Protesting members of the DUSU went on an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday after they were not aloowed to meet Vice- Chancellor Yogesh K. Tyagi. “We have been trying to meet the V-C since days. It is surprising that the students’ body is not allowed to meet him,” said Priyanka Chhawri, DUSU vice-president.
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The students’ body has claimed that online entrance examinations are unfair on students from rural areas. Instead, DUSU has proposed that a survey be conducted to allow students to choose between online and offline examinations.
Also, DUSU claimed that the arrangements made for the entrance examinations are not up to the mark. “The tender has been given to a small company called Aptech Computer Education. Approximately 500 employees are needed to organise this exam. However, the V-C has compromised on 250 employees,” Ms. Chhawari alleged.
The students have decided to stay on an indefinite hunger strike till all their demands are fulfilled, starting with a discussion with V-C. Among the other demands are availability of water coolers, public toilets on campus, and a 24x7 library.
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While DUSU claims that it has been getting a good response from students, there are some who disagree. “I think online examinations are a good option. I feel that the protest is to gain attention for the next elections,” said Ritik Chauhan, a student at Hindu College.