File Photo: Delhi University
A move by Delhi University's (DU) Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College to bring in a Rs 2,500 penalty for short attendance was greeted with protests by its students, leading to the withdrawal of the decision.
According to DU rules, a student must have a minimum of 66.53 per cent attendance to be eligible for appearing in semester examinations. In case of failure to meet the requirement, a student is required to submit an undertaking that the shortfall will be compensated for in the next term.
However, as per the varsity's norms, no fine can be levied on students for short attendance.
"Around 500 students are in the attendance defaulters' list and it was decided that they will not be issued admit cards for the semester examinations beginning May 7 unless they pay the fine," said a professor at the college who was speaking on condition of anonymity.
Scores of students yesterday staged a protest on the college premises alleging that the move was in violation of university norms.
However, college principal Manmohan Kaur defended the decision saying it was taken after duly consulting the staff council. There was no financial motive behind the move but only an aim of deterring students from skipping classes.
"Our intention was not to make money by penalising students, but to deter them from bunking classes so that they may fulfill the attendance requirements," she said.
"But, now, after discussion with staff members, it has been decided that no fine will be levied and all students will be issued admit cards," Ms Kaur said, adding that the fine which has already been collected will be refunded.
Meanwhile, DU spokesperson Malay Neerav said, "There is no provision in DU ordinances for condonation of short attendance by paying a penalty. However, it is an internal matter of the college and has to be settled within their jurisdiction".