Date:21/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/21/stories/2007012104460300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Cancellation of DSC test sought

Staff Reporter

Large-scale irregularities, including paper leakage, mass copying and graft alleged

ANANTAPUR: University students, particularly those who did not qualify in the DSC-2006 test conducted for recruitment of teachers in the district, led by student unions staged a rasta roko on the campus of Sri Krishnadevaraya University here on Friday demanding cancellation of the entrance test.

They alleged that large-scale irregularities, including paper leakage and mass copying, had taken place and a few officers of the Education Department encouraged them for a price. Huge amounts had changed hands for allowing the irregularities to favour selected candidates who could bear the price, they alleged.

Probe sought

The students sought a probe into the irregularities by a sitting judge of the High Court and resignation of Education Minister N. Rajyalakshmi.

They also sought action against officers of the Education Department responsible for the irregularities and the district Collector for keeping quiet.

`Chalo Collectorate'

Led by student union leaders Jayachandra Naidu, Rajagopal and others, the unsuccessful candidates of DSC-2006 stated that they would conduct a `Chalo Collectorate' protest on January 22 in support of their demand for cancellation of the entrance test conducted in 2006.

Meanwhile, a forum of qualified candidates in DSC-2006 warned of serious consequences if the test was cancelled in the district.

On the other hand, DEO Abdul Hameed said they had not received any complaints stating that irregularities had taken place in DSC-2006.

They had preserved all records pertaining to the test for any eventuality.