Thiruvananthapuram: The educational authorities have decided to take back the degree certificates distributed to 65 students at the convocation ceremony held at the Government Ayurveda College here on December 15. One of the seven students who received the certificate without passing the second-year Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) examination returned the same to the principal on Tuesday.
Health Minister Veena George has ordered an inquiry into the awarding of the doctor degree to students who failed the exam. The minister summoned the college principal and sought an explanation. She also asked the Ayurveda Medical Education Director to submit a report urgently.
The Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) admitted that the awarding of certificates to those who failed the exam was a big lapse. KUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummel told ‘Manorama’ that there was a great possibility of misusing the certificates and the photos of the awarding event and hence the varsity directed the principal to get back the certificates from them within 24 hours.
Two persons who were in charge of conducting the event were given show-cause notices by Principal Dr G Jey.
‘Manorma’ on Tuesday exposed the distribution of BAMS certificates to seven students who had not passed the exam. In the degree-awarding function, the University Vice Chancellor and Dean were present on the dais while the Health Minister attended it online. The students wore the special gown while receiving the certificates and the Dean Dr G Jayan administered the traditional oath.
Principal's defence
Principal Dr Jey said that mementos that showed the particular students successfully completing the course were distributed at the function and there was no signature on them. He said he has not seen the list of the names of students who received them.
“We are enquiring how the lapse occurred. We haven’t committed any errors consciously,” the Principal said.
However, the certificates modelled on the ones distributed by the KUHS were stamped with medals and distributed at the college.
SFI distances itself from row
Students' Federation of India state committee secretary P M Arsho said the organization was not connected to the House Surgeons Association which conducted the event.
The college authorities allegedly conducted the convocation ceremony based on the list submitted by the House Surgeons Association led by the SFI.
A growing trend
Meanwhile, such functions organized by colleges have come under suspicion. It is being pointed out that these events will lead to failed students securing certificates and misusing them by citing them as recognized.
“It was directed to discourage such functions spending lakhs of rupees but there has been no impact. I feel cheated after attending the event,” stated KUHS VC Mohanan Kunnummel who was the special guest for the convocation ceremony.
As reported earlier the issue came to light as a few students turned out to be whistle-blowers. Soon, the authorities gave strict instructions to the students against sharing pictures of the graduation ceremony on social media platforms. The students intend to submit a complaint to the Governor who is also the Chancellor of the universities.