Thiruvananthapuram: In yet another indication of the sorry state of affairs in the higher education sector, seven students received Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degrees from the Government Ayurveda College despite failing in their second year examination. The college authorities are said to have conducted the convocation ceremony on December 15 based on the list sent by the House Surgeons Association led by the Students Federation of India (SFI).
The son of an official of the Parents’ Association is also among the seven who obtained a professional qualification despite failing the exams. A total of 65 students graduated from the university.
Speaking to Manorama, University Principal Dr G Jay said, “An inquiry would be held into the allegations.” He added that he cannot give more details about it now.
The President of the Association of House Surgeons was not ready to respond even though ‘Manorama’ contacted him several times over phone.
The issue came to light because some students became whistleblowers. Soon, the authorities issued strict instructions to the students to share pictures of the graduation ceremony on social media platforms. The students plan to present a complaint to the governor who is the chancellor of the universities. (Recent legislation to strip the governor of the powers of the chancellor has not yet received the governor’s approval).
The duration of the BAMS course, including House Surgency, is five and a half years.
Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice-Chancellor, Kerala University of Health Sciences, was the special guest for the convocation ceremony. Health Minister Veena George, who is pro-Chancellor, was appointed as the Chief Guest. However, he did not attend the program.