New Delhi, May 20
Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) activists, along with students of Delhi University’s School of Open Learning (SOL), on Tuesday held a protest against the authorities for forcing SOL students to write their exams in an unsafe basement parking, endangering their lives.
Slamming the university’s apathy, the protesters demanded a dignified academic atmosphere and alleged that SOL students were victims of “educational apartheidâ€, as even the basic exam facilities were being denied to them.
Bhim Kumar, Member, Delhi State Committee, KYS, said in a statement, “The organisation demands the filing of an FIR against the DU and SOL officials responsible for putting the lives of SOL students in danger.â€
“This is discrimination and educational apartheid in its worst form, as DU provides classrooms for the students at regular colleges to write their exams. Clearly, the careers and even lives of SOL students are dispensable for DU and SOL administrations,†he said.
He also shared videos of the examination centre in the basement parking, in which students can be seen sitting behind green shades, while construction work is going on. Heaps of construction waste, including dangerous materials such as metal pipes, toxic paint, stone slabs and construction ladders, can be seen littered across the basement.
The KYS leader demanded immediate resolution of all issues related to internal assessment and results.
“The KYS warns of a massive movement if all these issues are not resolved immediately. The organisation will intensify its movement against DU and SOL’s educational apartheid and criminal disregard for SOL students’ lives,†said Bhim Kumar.
He alleged that the SOL and the DU administration are known to deny the bare minimum facilities to the SOL students.
Dignified settings are what any public-funded educational institution is bound to provide to its students for exams, he said.
Even earlier, in 2024, the students of SOL B. Com 1st semester were forced to write their exams in bone-chilling winters in makeshift tents at Motilal Nehru College and Aurobindo College, he stated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is absolutely shameful! DU is one of India's premier universities yet treats its SOL students like second-class citizens. How can we expect quality education when basic exam facilities aren't provided? 😠The authorities must be held accountable.
As an SOL alumna, this breaks my heart. We already face enough stigma for being distance learners. Now unsafe exam conditions? DU should remember that many SOL students are working professionals trying to better their lives. Have some basic humanity!
While I agree the conditions are unacceptable, calling it "educational apartheid" seems exaggerated. The university clearly needs better infrastructure planning, but let's not dilute serious terms. Focus should be on practical solutions - maybe using nearby school buildings during exams?
Construction waste near exam halls? This is a safety hazard waiting to happen! What if there's an accident? DU administration needs to wake up before there's a tragedy. SOL students pay fees too - they deserve proper facilities. #JusticeForSOL
Typical Indian education system problem - always cutting corners where it matters most. First they commercialize education, then compromise on basic standards. SOL students are often from humble backgrounds - this is how we treat our future? Shameful!
I appreciate KYS for bringing this to light 👠Many student organizations only focus on regular colleges. SOL students need support too - they're often working during the day and studying at night. This discrimination must stop. DU, do better!
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