Rahul Gandhi urges cancellation of final year exams, calls UGC's Sept plan 'unfair'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised University Grants Commission for planning to conduct final term examinations in colleges and educational institutions in September calling it “unfair” amid Coronavirus pandemic. Gandhi demanded cancellation of exams and suggested that students should be promoted on basis of past performance.

In a video mess, Gandhi said educational institutions are struggling due to pandemic and alleged that UGC is creating confusion among everyone.

"COVID has affected everyone. Our students in schools, colleges, and universities have been struggling very much. IITs, colleges have cancelled examinations and have promoted students. UGC is creating confusion. UGC as well should promote students based on past performances,” Wayanad MP said.

#SpeakUpForStudents

He also launched a campaign ‘Speak Up for Students’ on Twitter amid Ministry of Human Resource Development reportedly anuncing that all final year exams to be conducted by September end. “Come Join #SpeakUpForStudents movement,” Gandhi tweeted in Hindi. Along with tweet he also shared a 53-second long video urging people to join movement.

“In light of coronavirus outbreak, UGC final exams will be held by September but students are t ready yet. Students coming from different states of country to attend exam will increase risk of coronavirus spread. We plea to cancel exam and results should be declared basis of previous semester results,” said  video shared by Gandhi.

“We also demand a fee-waiver for six months in schools and colleges due to ecomic upheaval caused by coronavirus,” video added.

READ | UGC allows Final Year Exams To Be Held In September; Issues Fresh Guidelines For Colleges

READ | UGC Secretary On Final Year Exams: Special Examination For Students Who'll Miss It

UGC eyes September

As Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) permitted universities to conduct examinations during 'Unlock 2' period, UGC on July 7 issued revised guidelines for exams and academic calendar. Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal confirmed that final year examinations will w be conducted in September.

After anuncement, parents, students, and various state governments raised ir objection over  safety and security of students during exams given to fact that Coronvirus cases continue to mount in country.

UGC Secretary Professor Rajnish Jain later said that authorities are aware of COVID situation in country and hence have ordered examination for only terminal year. He stated that if in any case, students could t appear in exam, n Universities will conduct special examinations for those students. 

With highest single-day spike of 26,506 COVID-19 cases and 475 deaths reported in last 24 hours, total number of COVID-19 cases in India reached 7,93,802 on Friday.

READ | Cong MP Condemns UGC's Decision To Hold Exams In Sept, Urges PM Modi To Review Decision

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