Mumbai:
The results of BA final year students of the Mumbai University are out. But the algorithm that allowed for results to be declared yesterday was unique to this batch cooping up government officials in their office until they finish checking all the papers and declared the results.
This is what it came to when members of the Yuva Sena (YS), the youth wing of the Shiv Sena, cornered Mumbai University's Controller of Examinations and his staff of 30 in their offices at Kalina till 11 pm on Tuesday, to correct answer sheets, so the result may be declared.
Despite the teachers ticking away at papers late into the night, it was too much work - pending for over last two months to be packed in a day. So yesterday, a repeat performance featuring the same cast of characters ensured the assertion of the result, and its upload on the university's website last night.
The third-year BA exams concluded in May. For over two months that have elapsed since, the university had been dragging its feet on the result. The YS claimed they had been requesting the authorities to release it soon but their pleas fell on deaf ears.
"The university, for almost three months, has been fiddling around with exam papers. The BA results have been delayed the most. Being a student myself, I can understand the hassle others face because of the university's shortcoming," said Aaditya Thackeray, president, Yuva Sena, adding, "We are trying to improve the situation."
Asked why his party men had to take control of university affairs, he said, "We simply laid siege to the university and made the administration work for the benefit of the students, cutting the red tape. We will not allow the university to play with the students' future. We want results to come out immediately."
Bala Kadam, YS office bearer who was leading the protest said, "The rule says the results should be declared within 45 days of the exam.
We are fighting, not for our sake, but for students who have missed on countless opportunities. Students wanting to appear for UPSC and other competitive exams have suffered. The authorities never act without any pressure. We made the authorities work till late last night."
"We wanted the work to be done, and didn't even interfere in their work. The Sena men present even offered to help," said Thackeray.
Vilas Shinde, the Controller for Examinations, reluctantly spoke a few words to MiD DAY. "I humbly request you to let me do my work. I won't be able to talk to you today. I have to release the result today itself," he said.
"The delay in the results has caused me a lot of problems. I wish to apply for my Masters in Economics in the Bangalore University. The admissions began a few days ago and I need my percentage for the online application, the last date of which is August 9. Pune University has already begun their lectures whereas Mumbai University is still struggling with results" Sonali Vahadane, 20, Jai Hind college.