Mumbai: Students who have completed the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) board examinations are pressuring the state to find a solution for a fair chance for First Year Junior College (FYJC) admissions. While, students of private boards have opposed the decision of the state to drop internal marks for FYJC admission. The state education ministry has not found a solution yet despite increasing pressure from students and political parties.
Aaditya Thackeray, chief of Yuva Sena, met the chief minister (CM) of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday regarding this issue. Thackeray said, “Students have approached us claiming they do not stand a chance to secure seats in FYJC admissions due to their low scores. The state should find a solution immediately as the admission process has already begun.”
Students of SSC board claimed they have scored low marks as internal assessments were scrapped this year by the state. This has made it tough to secure seats as there are students of Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board who have scored higher marks.
Vinod Tawde, state minister of school and higher secondary education, had earlier claimed to discuss with heads of CBSE and ICSE to drop internal marks during FYJC admission so that all students have a fair chance. But students and parents of private boards have strongly opposed this plan. Urijit Sinha, a parent said, “Why should ICSE and CBSE students suffer because of the decision of the state? Was the state not aware that scrapping internal assessments would reduce the final scores of students? The state cannot jeopardise admissions of other students at the last minute.”
Now, the state education ministry plans on increasing the number of seats for FYJC admissions. Tawde said, “We are working on increasing the available seats for FYJC admissions in junior colleges. We are discussing this matter with principals and managements of all junior colleges.” The online registration for FYJC admission process has begun from May 27.
-Ronald Rodrigues
