Guv hits out at Maha CM's decision to cancel varsity exams

 In an open confrontation, Maharashtra goverr Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Tuesday criticised Uddhav Thackeray-led state government's decision to cancel final year university examinations on account of coronavirus outbreak. decision would jeopardise future of students, he said in a letter to Chief Minister Thackeray.

He also asserted that chancellor of universities -- a position which goverr holds ex-officio -- has final authority over all university matters as per Maharashtra Public Universities Act, an official statement said. In letter, Koshyari said decision regarding holding of examinations of final year students should be be taken "in consonance with provisions of Act.

He was "surprised" to learn through media reports that CM had declared that " examinations shall be conducted this year", Koshyari said.

"Describing anuncement of cancellation of examinations by chief minister as "unprecedented" and made "without any profound thinking on legal repercussions", goverr remarked that decision, if implemented, would jeopardise future of students," statement said.

Even though Committee of Vice Chancellors constituted by Minister for Higher and Technical Education to analyse situation and to explore various options available to conduct examinations had given its report to department's secretary on May 6, same "had t been presented to him till date", Koshyari wrote.

During his video conference with vice chancellors, all VCs had communicated willingness for conducting examinations, he said.

goverr stated he had clearly mentioned that chancellors office shall give furr directions after accepting recommendations of committee partially or fully once report was received by him, statement said.

" arbitrary decision has violated basic principle that to obtain an identical degree, re cant be two sets of criteria, one who has given examination and for or who has obtained marks on aver. examinations cant be made optional," statement quoted goverr as saying.

Pointing out that students of medicine, architecture, law and or courses needed to register mselves with irrespective professional bodies/councils to get license to  practice, goverr said se bodies may t be able to enrol students without students being evaluated on established parameters. Ministry of Home Affairs had given approval to conduct examinations to various state boards and CBSE and ICSE were in process of conducting ir examinations in spite of COVID-19 situation, Koshyari ted.

" goverr mentioned that UGC and or Central authorities are of view that final year examination may t be dispensed with and, refore, state government should abide by UGC guidelines along with provisions of Maharashtra Universities Act, 2017," statement said. Earlier in day, Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saaamana had said in its editorial that goverr insisted on holding final year exams of degree students, but Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray rejected it, showing " spine Thackerays are kwn for".