DU students to go on hunger strike if the university doesn't cancel online open-book examinations

The students of the University of Delhi have now formed a committee to protest the university's decision to conduct open book examinations. Titled DU Against OBE Committee, it was formed on Thursday and claims to not be associated with any student political association. Two days ago, the university had postponed the exams until August. They were originally supposed to be held from July 10.

The committee's members say that their primary demand is the cancellation of online open book examinations. In case the university doesn't agree to their demands in two weeks, they say that a few of its core committee members who are currently in Delhi will go on a hunger strike in front of the Vice-Chancellor's house. "If they're adamant about conducting online OBE, we want the university's administration to conduct a survey to find out the number of students who have no access to technology. They must provide an alternate arrangement to these students," says Pallavi Raj, a student of Kirori Mal College and a core committee member.

"Almost all student organisations have already protested and met the authorities. But none of them have a body to look into this issue exclusively," says Pallavi, elaborating on the reason behind forming the committee. "Some students write the exams online, but many do not have the privilege to do so," she adds.

Pallavi also says that the DUSU had never supported the students during their struggle. "Initially, they came up with a tagline called 'DU with solutions' and we were hopeful that they will probably do something for the students. However, as soon as the UGC guidelines were out, they came out in support. The union is very unaccountable and negligent," she adds.