Hike intake of students: DESAM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 30 2020: Stating many students do not want to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies outside the State due to COVID-19 pandemic, DESAM (Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur) has appealed the Government and authorities concerned to increase the intake capacities at Manipur University and Dhanamanjuri University this year.

Speaking to media persons at its Kwakeithel office, DESAM general secretary, Leishangthem Lamyanba said the COVID-19 pandemic had forced many students to return to the State and many now want to pursue higher studies in Manipur.

However, with the present intake capacity at Manipur University, DM University and colleges under them, majority of the students will not get enrolled and they would lose valuable academic year.

In the interest of the students in view of COVID-19 situation, the colleges in Manipur and the two universities should increase their intake capacity.

The authorities concerned should take up appropriate actions and the Government may pass an Ordinance to manage time, manpower and infrastructure required, he said.

Further, considering the COVID-19 pandemic, applications of colleges to open various PG courses should be considered and allowed to increase the number of courses and accommodate the students, he added.

On the other hand, there have been gross irregularities in the admission processes at various institutions, he alleged.

Admission for SCERT/DIET were found already "over without even releasing the selection list" .

Further, there is a report that the DMCTE (Dhanamanjuri College of Teacher Education) will not be conducting entrance examination for admission to MEd.

This is against the norms of the NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education), he said.

Also, for admission at DM College of Commerce, special mark weightage should be given to students who opted Commerce in Class XI/XII, he added.

Meanwhile, the DM University should release the consolidated list of students and conduct the admission process in a transparent manner.

And the varsity must not increase admission fee specially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Lamyanba said.

On Manipur University entrance examinations, Lamyanba said the varsity should strictly follow the October 20 order of the Administrator which restricted involvement of teachers and research scholars, who are/were engaged in teaching students relating to the entrance examination in the affairs of the actual examination.

There have been reports that such individuals had taken part in the entrance examinations as invigilators.

Moreover, there is also a report of students using mobile phones/electronic devices in the examination hall, he alleged.

The MU authorities should strictly comply with its order and conduct the examinations in a free and fair manner, Lamyanba said.

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