Demand for clarity in filling of seats reserved for SC/ST students
The Hindu
Concerns were raised over the conversion of vacant seats meant for SC/ST students into the General category.
Students belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities continue to face hurdles amidst the pandemic in getting admission through the centralised allotment procedure in undergraduate programmes offered by the State universities and autonomous colleges.
The aspirants have urged the government to publish information on the reserved seats with more clarity. They have also voiced their concerns over the conversion of vacant seats meant for SC/ST students into the General category.
“Conversion of SC/ST seats to General category is done in universities and autonomous colleges. This practice is unconstitutional and takes the opportunity away from already vulnerable students from pursuing higher education. We have requested the government to issue directives to all universities and autonomous colleges against converting SC/ST seats to other categories, till the last stage of the admissions process,” said Mary Lydia, a volunteer of Adishakthi, a collective set up under the aegis of Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha to facilitate educational empowerment and skill development of tribal students.