The Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) in Dakshina Kannada has initiated strict action against several private pre-university colleges within Mangaluru city limits. This action comes after these institutions failed to conduct the mandatory first preparatory examination, which commenced on January 2.
Parental Complaints Trigger Inspection
The department's intervention was prompted by complaints from concerned parents. These parents alleged that the private colleges had made no arrangements for the preparatory exam, despite a clear government order. Some colleges reportedly claimed they were unaware of the schedule, while others stated they had already conducted similar tests and thus saw no need to hold the mandated one.
Acting on these complaints, H H Rajeshwari, the Deputy Director of the Department of Pre-University Education (DDPI) for Dakshina Kannada, personally visited the non-compliant colleges. The visit revealed that on January 2, when the chemistry exam was scheduled as per the official timetable, these colleges did not conduct it.
Department's Directive and College Response
During the inspection, officials found the colleges' justifications unacceptable. A department official highlighted that colleges had been informed weeks in advance, and the DDPU had even convened an online meeting on the issue. "Such denial and failure to conduct the exam reflect a clear disregard for government guidelines," the official stated.
Deputy Director Rajeshwari confirmed the sequence of events. "We have instructed them to conduct it at the earliest, and they have agreed," she said, following her visit and discussions with college representatives. The first preparatory exam series, which started on January 2, is set to conclude on January 17. This will be immediately followed by the second preparatory exam, scheduled from January 19 to 31.
Centralized Question Papers and Ensuring Compliance
An important aspect of these preparatory exams is the use of a centralized question paper for all districts, a measure intended to standardize assessment. The department's crackdown underscores its commitment to enforcing the exam schedule uniformly across all affiliated institutions, whether government-run or private.
The incident has brought to light potential gaps in communication and adherence to directives within the pre-university education system in the region. The department's swift action aims to ensure that all students receive equal preparatory opportunities before their final examinations.
