JNU council rejects plan to curb OBC relaxation

The JNU academic council on Friday rejected the standing committee’s proposal to do away with relaxation to OBC candidates in entrance examinations for M.Phil. and Ph.D. as well as reduction in concession to female and transgender candidates.

The standing committee of the university had in April decided to do away with relaxation to OBC candidates in entrance examination for M.Phil. and Ph.D. courses from the coming academic session, but said these candidates would be entitled to a concession of 5 marks in the eligibility criteria.

The panel had also recommended reduction in compulsory grace marks (deprivation points) given to women and transgender candidates.

The move had triggered widespread protests from students who demanded that the relaxation be extended to OBC students at both the levels and the deprivation points for girls and transgenders remain as per the policy in place since 1994.

The academic council, which is a statutory decision-making body, turned down both the proposals during the meeting on Friday. “OBC relaxations at both the levels have been cleared by the council, so the plan to do away with relaxation at the entrance level has been junked,” a council member said.

“The cap on deprivation points has been raised to 12 marks. All female and transgender candidates will get 5 extra points and candidates in the two categories who belong to backward areas will get 7 points,” the member added.

The council also gave nod to 5 per cent relaxation in entrance exam to widows or wards of Armed Forces personnel killed or disabled while on duty.

After the council’s meeting on May 10 was adjourned due to ruckus over the February 9 incident, the JNU adminstration videographed the proceedings of the meeting on Friday.