Kathmandu: A student of MA in Sociology (first year) today accused the Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Sociology/Anthropology of refusing to issue admit cards to her and some of her friends for no apparent reason. The accusation comes in the wake of MA (first year) partial examinations that began today.

Krishna Poudel, a Masters (first year) student of sociology at the Central Department, TU, said the central department did not issue her the admit card, though she had completed all formalities. Without admit cards, students cannot get their roll numbers, which must be mentioned in answer sheets along with registration numbers, among others.

She said, “I submitted the exam form to the Central Department of Sociology/Anthropology on August 15, but officials at the Office of the Controller of Examination in Balkhu said they had not received my form and refused to issue the admit card.”

Yesterday, she called up the Prime Minister’s Office at 1111. In response, officials at the PMO directed the authorities to let her sit for the exam today.

She said, “Today’s paper is my back paper. I have already completed my thesis. As per the TU’s education policy, one should complete this level within five years and this is my last year. If I fail in any subject, I will have to study the Masters programme all over again. Therefore, I urged everyone to let me sit for the exam this year.”

She still doubts whether her paper will reach the examiner. Poudel also said some other friends had faced a similar problem.

Meanwhile, authorities at the central department refused to comment on the matter, saying they were not authorised to comment.

It may be noted that the department chief’s post has been lying vacant after head of department Om Gurung’s retired last month.

Ramesh Prasad Joshi, deputy controller, said they can initiate the process for issuing admit cards only after getting the students’ exam forms from respective departments. He said they were yet to get Poudel’s exam form.

Prof Dr Surya Lal Amatya, rector, TU, said, “We accept only those answer sheets that adhere to due process. For other papers, we can’t assure anything.”

source: The Himalayan Times,6 Nov 2011