Final year PG students call for indefinite strike

Thiruvananthapuram: PG students (fourth semester) of Kerala University have called an indefinite strike from Monday to protest against the university’s decision to conduct semester examinations from August 10.
As per schedule, classes for fourth semester should start in January. However, classes began only on March 12. The students allege that they did not get enough working days. They also have to complete projects and practicals.They alleged that the unprecedented delay in starting fourth semester classes has marred the higher education prospects of final-year students who are preparing to join BEd and MPhil courses.
In a news conference held on Thursday, the students said that they need time to prepare for the final exams. The students’ representatives of various colleges also alleged that the Kerala University is violating the rules and regulations acknowledged by the UGC.
“As per the UGC rule, the PG students are supposed to get around 90 working days, but we got only around 35 days. The third semester examination was completed only by first week of March and thus the classes for fourth semester were delayed. Neither the portions were completed nor we got enough time to prepare for finals,” says Shereef Chithara, fourth semester Msc Physics student of MSM College, Kayamkulam.
“When we met the VC and controller of examinations they ensured that the exam will be postponed to September. But after the syndicate meeting, they announced that finals will be held on August 13. The KU is violating the rights of students,” said Shereef.