COVID-19: Teachers' union appeals to Mumbai University to promote first, second year degree students

Bombay University and College Teachers Union (BUCTU) appealed to the University of Mumbai to promote all graduate students in their First and Second academic years as the COVID-19 crisis has put an indefinite hold on examination. In a letter to the varsity Vice-Chancellor Suhas Pednekar, BUCTU President G B Raje and General Secretary Madhu Paranjpe highlighted the plight of millions of displaced households, lost incomes and desperation to migrate to their native places on foot.

BUCTU further said that any plans by the varsity to announce tentative exam schedules would add to the woes of stressed and stranded students. It urged to focus entirely on the commencement of the Academic Year 2020-2021 when normalcy returns instead of announcing tentative exam schedules.

"All First Year & Second Year (degree) students should be allowed to take admission for the next year, pending their exams and results. All students in all faculties be allowed to keep term next year. This should be made applicable to all autonomous institutions as well," BUCTU demanded.

The Union requested the varsity to convey the BUCTU's suggestions to the Chancellor, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Minister for Higher & Technical Education Uday Samant in this matter.