Students distraught over delay in degree college admissions

Mumbai: The state government’s decision to put first year degree college admissions on hold after the Bombay high court’s order to scrap reservation for backward category students in the minority colleges has created anxiety among students. The University of Mumbai (MU) has kept the release of second merit list on hold till further notice from the state government.  

The admission process has been put on hold, as the students’ fraternity is unhappy with the HC’s decision. The colleges are worried that this might cause panic among students and would disrupt the academic calendar of the varsity. Last week, the MU and the Maharashtra government filed a special leave petition (SLP). However, no decision has been announced yet. Students and the colleges are eagerly waiting for a decision. “We cannot do anything unless a notification is sent to us and only then we can ask the colleges to resume the admission process,” said a senior official of MU.

Prior to the HC’s decision last year, both religious and linguistic minority colleges shared their seats between the open and reserved category students. However, after the decision, the reserved category has been scrapped completely. There are around 300 such colleges in Mumbai region, with around 70,000 seats.

“By now the colleges should have started, but the second merit list has not come out yet. This is serious and the government should take a decision soon,” said a principal on the condition of anonymity.

Students, on the other hand, are scared that it will be a mess when the process finally starts. “Many students are waiting for the second list. Once it is thrown open, it will be a big mess as every one would want to secure a seat for themselves,” said Archana Rajeev, a student who wants admission in Wilson College.

“Till when are we supposed to wait? Some or the other things keep happening and there is literally no one who is willing to listen and provide help,” said Tanya Chaturvedi, another student.