JOIN USJNU turns down relaxation for OBC candidates
Jawaharlal Nehru University’s academic council on Friday turned down a proposal to do away with relaxation to OBC candidates in entrance examination for MPhil and PhD courses as well as reduction in deprivation points given to female and transgender candidates.
Earlier on May 10, the council’s meeting was adjourned after Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar staged a walked out following a ruckus among students, teachers and administration over the controversial February 9 event where anti-India slogans were raised.
A standing committee of the varsity had last month decided to do away with relaxation to Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates in entrance examination for MPhil and PhD courses from the coming academic session. Instead, it had recommended giving 5% relaxation in qualifying marks for admission to various research programmes.
Last year, a student had moved a court challenging denial of admission by the JNU on the grounds of his failure to meet the minimum qualifying marks. The candidate was denied admission on this ground even as he had cleared the entrance test conducted by the JNU.
The standing committee was of the opinion that concessions can be granted at either of the two stages. It also recommended reduction in compulsory grace marks (deprivation points) given to women and transgender candidates.
Students groups however, had protested the committee’s recommendations. “The council has rejected the standing committee’s proposal. Now OBC candidates will be granted relaxation at all levels of eliminations,” an academic council member said.
“The cap on deprivation points has been raised to 12 marks. All female and transgender candidates will get 5 extra points and candidates in the two categories who belong to backward areas will get 7 points,” the member said.
The academic council also approved 5% relaxation in entrance exam to widows or wards of Armed Forces personnel killed or disabled while on duty.