JNU test, poll dates clash; students irate

KOCHI: For many Kerala students who want to study in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) the May 16 elections couldn't have been timed worse. The polls are clashing with the JNU entrance examinations. "Initially I thought of skipping the exam to cast the first vote of my life. But after a second thought, I decided to attend the exam instead," said Thoolika, a resident of Kadavanthra.
The only exam centre in the state is Air Force School at Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram.
Some students have lodged complaints with the Commission. "We want the JNU authorities to either allot more centres across the state or postpone the examinations," said Rayson Kuriakkose of Piravom.
JNU authorities ruled out postponing the tests. "It's really impossible for us to postpone the examinations. We have to publish the results on time," JNU registrar Pramod Kumar said. "The issue should have been taken up earlier."
Students said the exam time table was published only a few days ago.
"The date of assembly polls in Kerala and Tamil Nadu was announced months ago. The JNU should have considered it while scheduling the exams," said Shibu Paul, parent of a student.
"Students coming from distant districts will have to stay in Thiruvananthapuram on the eve of elections. In the case of girl students, parents have to accompany them. So, they also will not be able to cast their votes," he said.