Principal Correspondent
Kohima, May 29
The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has once again criticized the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) for ‘manipulating’ and selecting four candidates (two each for MBBS and BDS), and also rejected the report of High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted to look into the ‘irregularities’ in the selection process for different technical courses in the State.
Addressing a press conference along with ANCSU President Tsukjem Longkumer and his officials at NSF conference hall here this evening, ANCSU Fact Finding Committee Chairman O. Wati Jamir said, the union is concerned for the welfare of the students in the State.
Dismayed by lackadaisical attitude of DTE, ANCSU today submitted an ultimatum to the chief minister, wherein it pointed out the most serious incident of 2014 in selections/ nominations for various technical courses for four students.
ANCSU remarked that the selections of four students whose names were not indicated in the declaration of All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) results 2014 were later offered seats in MBBS and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) through Nagaland State Pre-Medical Test (NSPMT) exam.
They revealed that Nungsangzulu Walling was selected for MBBS, ranked 19th through NSPMT. His mark is shown as AIPMT - 190 and NSPMT – 272; Motsuo K. Ezung was selected for MBBS, ranked 42nd through NSPMT. His marks are shown as AIPMT - 162 and NSPMT – 248; Reuben Lalrammawi was selected for BDS, ranked 3rd through NSPMT. His marks are shown as AIPMT - 189 and NSPMT - 191 while Aneizo Khruomo was selected for BDS, ranked 8th through NSPMT and marks are shown as – AIPMT – 151 and NSPMT – 233.
ANCSU maintained that there is no record of the four appearing in AIPMT 2014, the total list of which was declared by the Director of DTE as 312 candidates. Therefore, ANCSU said their AIPMT marks are imaginary. Hence, this is a manipulation of highest order by the DTE, ANCSU said.ANCSU stated that the DTE was given the task by the Common Selection Board (CSB) to obtain marks of both AIPMT and NSPMT and do necessary selections/nominations accordingly however “the department went several steps ahead by allotting marks to selected “special case students”, who had not even appeared in the exams, and snatched away seats from the deserving students to be given to these students for a price”.
ANCSU remarked that it is utterly shocking that the conduct of examination and declaration of results in 2014 were under microscopic scrutiny in 2014 with massive public upheaval and strong protest by students in regard to B.Sc (Horti) seat and yet, the concerned officials could blatantly commit such heinous crimes with disregard for the future of students which is incomprehensible.
ANCSU further stated that such action displays DTE’s dubious activities during the past preceding years.
ANCSU officials also stated that with such officers devoid of integrity and morals in the helm of affairs, there is absolutely no chance for meritorious students of the State, to ever get justice and fairness in achieving their aspirations.
Wati recalled that since ANCSU had detected serious irregularities in the DTE, it had submitted representation to the chief minister in October 2014, demanding a thorough probe to detect where the problem lies, check and plug the lacunae, take punitive action if necessary, and adopt solid steps to upgrade its delivery system with transparency and clarity.
Appreciating chief minister in understanding the seriousness of the issues and constituting the HPC in the month of October last year, ANCSU in the representation submitted today said “the expectation and anticipation for the outcome of the committee’s report was very high for the student bodies since this was one of the rarest and golden opportunities for reformative measures”.
However, ANCSU lamented that the report of the HPC is one of the biggest disappointments which is shoddy, confusing and inconclusive, biased and lacks commitment; it has failed to address the issue raised in-depth.
ANCSU also termed the whole findings and recommendations of the HPC as “eyewash and highly compromised”. With such damning evidence available in black and white, the ANSCU expressed disappointment on the HPC, for their lackadaisical approach in handling the most important task of restoring and revamping a system wherein the future of younger generations depend.
Alleging that it is frightening and bizarre to note that the HPC’s report was prepared and written by no other than the Director of DTE himself, ANCSU said the report of the HPC is copy paste of the very report given by the DTE Director.
Questioning the principle of the member of the HPC whether they had surrendered themselves fully to the guidance of the DTE against whom the students’ had pointed out finger, ANCSU said the act is immoral duty of the highest order on the part of the HPC and it is an insult to the student community.
In the light of the facts, the ANSCU has placed a five-point ultimatum to be enacted within 30 days.
The ANCSU demanded that the report of the HPC submitted in February 2015 be rejected while also asking for immediate recall of students who have been illegally selected for MBBS/BDS courses.
It also demanded immediate constitution of enquiry through CBI to investigate the conduct and selection of students in various technical courses during the last 10 years in the State.
ANCSU also sought removal of concerned officials from their responsibilities during the process of enquiry and take drastic punitive actions against the erring officials.
ANCSU officials cautioned that if the government fails to take action by June 28 next, it would initiate its own course of action.
