JNU council rejects plan to curb relaxation to OBC, girls

JNU's Academic Council today rejected a standing committee's proposal to do away with relaxation to OBC candidates in entrance examination for M.Phil and Ph.D courses as well as reduction in concession to female and transgender candidates.

The council's meeting on May 10 was adjourned after Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar walked out of it due to ruckus among students, teachers and administration over February 9 incident. On a cautionary note, the university also videographed the proceedings of the meeting today.

The standing committee of the university had last month decided to do away with relaxation to OBC candidates in entrance examination for M.Phil and Ph.D courses from the coming academic session but said they will be entitled to a concession of 5 marks in the eligibility criteria.

The panel had also recommended reduction in compulsory grace marks (deprivation points) given to women and transgender candidates.

The move had triggered widespread protests from students who demanded that the relaxation be extended to OBC students at both the levels and the deprivation points for girls and transgenders remain as per the policy in place since 1994.

The varsity's Academic Council (AC), which is the statutory decision making body, today turned down both the proposals.

"OBC relaxations at both the levels have been cleared by the AC, so the plan to do away with relaxation at the entrance level has been junked," a 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 added.

The council also gave nod to 5 per cent relaxation in entrance exam to widows or wards of Armed Forces personnel killed or disabled while on duty.