MA students boycott exams at University of Mysore

Political science students vent ire against public administration

Students of MA in political science boycotted exams and staged a protest at the University of Mysore here on Monday. They also prevented students of MA in public administration from appearing for the exams.

The protest was staged by political science students as they were against the move of the university to make public administration and political science as equivalent.

The students prevented the staff from conducting the examination by locking them in the department of public administration.

While nearly 120 political science students staged a protest against the university’s move, more than 50 students of public administration demanded that exams be conducted according to the schedule.

Graduates from any discipline can apply for MA in public adminstration, which is a two-year post graduation.

It includes the study of subjects including political theory, public administration and governance, public policy, Indian political system, administrative thinkers, organisational behaviour, research methodology, financial administration, rural and urban governments, political economy, global political economy and governance.

Lack of communication

Speaking to Deccan Herald, University of Mysore vice-chancellor Prof V G Talawar said that protest was a result of lack of communication between students and staff.

He said the university had given a recommendation to higher education council following demands by public administration to treat them on par with political science.

Earlier, the issue was also discussed twice at the academic council meeting at the varsity.

Prof Talwar said, a decision on the issue would be made only after suggestions are recommended by higher education council.

Later, it would be discussed by the faculty of arts, academic council and only then a decision would be held.

Meanwhile, political science exams in other PG centres of the city went according to the schedule.