If we die, hold university responsible, says students' note addressed to Modi

Citing discrimination in admission to research studies, three students - from a leading university in Karnataka - have sent a suicide note addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office, seeking solution to their problem by May 23. They have threatened to take their own lives if the PMO fails to revert.

The students have accused the management of Rani Channamma University, in Belagavi (510 kms from Bengaluru), of denying them admission to the PhD course in Political Sciences, despite scoring qualifying marks in the entrance examination. The three students - Nandeesh Dhumale, M G Naganoor and V P Ganacharimutt - have also submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of Belagavi district on the alleged injustice.

Death Note

"We are frustrated with the attitude of the university administration. We have complained to the vice-chancellor, Karnataka's Higher Education Minister T B Jayachandra and even the departmental secretary concerned, but none have intervened to help us. This is not a publicity gimmick because we are completely distraught. We have no option left other than bringing the matter to the notice of the PM. We are aware that his office has helped students in the past. If we die, the university management should be held responsible," the students said.

The incident pertains to admission in the PhD course (Political Sciences) for the 2014-15 academic year. As many as 140 students appeared for the entrance examination, out of which only 20 students were declared eligible. However, students, who had scored as low as 23 marks, were somehow declared eligible for admission. Students, who had scored 65 marks and above found their names missing from the final list, leading to suspicion on the entire process.

"When we inquired with the staff concerned, we were told that the final list was selected as per university rules. They have sidelined students, who have performed well in the National Eligibility Test (NET). They have favoured students of their choice. How can a candidate, who has scored 23 marks in the entrance examination, be ranked 5th in the general merit category?" Naganoor alleged.

When contacted, Prof S B Hosamani, vice-chancellor, Rani Channamma University, rejected allegations of irregularities in the admission process. "The PhD entrance examinations were conducted as per rules and admission was carried out by department heads. I am not aware of any malpractice. I will order the officials concerned to look into it," he added. The district administration has asked students to elicit an answer from the PM's office on the issue.