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KEA unaware of HC order, says no CET for OCI candidates

Authority has not permitted them to apply for CET 2016
Last Updated 19 January 2016, 21:23 IST
Even as the CBSE has stated that it is open to Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) candidates appearing for the IIT-JEE entrance test, these candidates have no hope of appearing for the State’s Common Entrance Test (CET).

The Karnataka Examinations Authority has not permitted them to apply for CET 2016. Earlier, after a section of the parents approached the High Court in this regard, the Court, on August 27, 2015, had directed that these students be allowed to write the entrance test. Deccan Herald had reported this on August 29, 2015.

However, KEA officials claimed that they were “unaware” of any such directions. KEA Administrative Officer Gangadhariah said, “We had sent a request for amendment of CET Rules to the government almost two years ago. No decision has been taken. As for the High Court directions, if parents concerned show us a copy of it, we will look into it. If there is such an order from the High Court, we will definitely seek the government’s permission to obey the order.”

He added that as of now, according to CET Rules, only Indian citizens can appear for the exam and there was no provision for OCI candidates. “Our first question while applying is whether the candidate is a citizen of India,” he said.

Students keen
This leaves the candidates with the option of either applying for a seat under the management quota or going for Comedk seats which are far more expensive compared to government seats.

Chithra Prasad, whose daughter will appear for her Class 12 exam this year, is one of the affected parents. Her daughter has studied from kindergarten to class 12 in the state and the parent opined that they should not be discriminated against when it came to CET. “We moved back from the US in 2002. We are tax payers in both countries. The Centre's provisions specify that OCI candidates are eligible for education here. I believe it is time the government took a serious look into the issue.”

'State dragging its feet'
Meanwhile, parents alleged that KEA officials were misguiding people. Sreedhara R, one of the petitioners said, “We have met the Education Minister and the Principal Secretary and explained the issue. While Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have changed the provisions, Karnataka is dragging its feet. We will approach the Court again. The KEA was also supposed to reply to the High Court's notice, which it hasn't.”

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(Published 19 January 2016, 21:22 IST)

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