Online -offline issue: DC Cachar urges students not to resort to any violence

April 6: Students of colleges affiliated with Assam University, Silchar have been protesting for last few days in the town demanding to conduct their semester exams in online mode. The students have expressed apprehension of affliction to COVID-19 virus if the exam is conducted offline, at a time when the cases are surging across the nation again.

The Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Keerthi Jalli has expressed concern for the students and urged them to refrain from agitation. Saying the Assam University to be an autonomous institute, the Deputy Commissioner said that the decision of conducting the exams in online or offline mode rests with the University administration.

“Whether to conduct exam in offline or online mode, the decision making power does not come under my purview and what we can do is only to provide a platform for students to raise their apprehension before the University authorities,” the DC said.

An emergent meeting was held at Cachar Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday, in presence of Registrar of Assam University, Principals of all colleges under Cachar district and few students representatives, where it was unanimously decided that the exam will be conducted in offline as per schedule.

“Assam University is an autonomous institute and we cannot interfere with their decision-making process. They are governed by the UGC guidelines,” the DC said adding that other state universities like Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University apparently also went for offline mode of exam, which is being followed by Assam University.

Addressing the concern of the students regarding COVID risks, the Deputy Commissioner mentioned that she can manage to offer required materials for screening of students ahead of entry into the examination hall. However, decision of conduct of examination is outside her purview.

“I request every student not to resort to any violent means and also at the same time call off their protest. Discussion has already happened and I would request everyone to cooperate” she said. The Deputy Commissioner wished everyone for their upcoming examination.