SHILLONG: The Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) has said that holding of online as well as offline examinations, as directed by the University Grants Commission (UGC), cannot be undertaken, especially at a time when the safety of the students is imperative amid the pandemic.
In this connection, the MCTA has decided to join the nationwide stir on Wednesday, demanding the withdrawal of UGC guidelines to hold examinations and a suggestion for an alternate mode of examination.
In a statement on Tuesday, the MCTA said that the decision was taken in view of the safety of students amid the ongoing pandemic.
The MCTA said that online examinations, as suggested by the UGC, cannot be undertaken since connectivity is poor in the Northeastern region.
Similarly, when it comes to offline examinations, the MCTA said that students, who come from outside the state, may be subjected to hurdles due to the interstate travel restriction.
“Further, some of the students, during the lockdown, have had to let go of their rented accommodation due to financial issues, and coming back for the examinations would imply that institutional quarantine will be required apart from assisting them in procuring a hostel stay during the period of the examination,” the statement said.
The MCTA has also urged stakeholders of higher education to join the protest.
