Mangaluru: A dispute over examination dates at St Agnes College has triggered criticism of Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, with local residents and community representatives questioning his intervention in the matter.
The controversy began after a group of students protested against examinations scheduled during the Dasara period. The college administration maintained that the timetable followed its approved academic calendar and that no examinations were scheduled on gazetted public holidays.
College revises examination dates
According to the college administration, a draft examination timetable was circulated on September 11, giving students 15 days to raise objections. As no formal grievances were received during that period, the final schedule was released on September 26.
However, in response to student concerns and to maintain a peaceful academic environment, the management voluntarily rescheduled examinations originally planned for October 19 and 22.
The issue nevertheless drew the attention of MLA Vedavyas Kamath, who criticised the college over examinations being held during the festival period.
Residents question MLA’s intervention
Several citizens and community representatives have criticised Kamath’s handling of the dispute. They argued that the matter could have been addressed through dialogue between the students and college management.
Local businessman Neeraj accused the MLA of handling the protest irresponsibly and alleged that his statements risked adding a political and communal dimension to an academic scheduling issue. He also referred to the earlier controversy involving St Gerosa School.
IT professional Ganesh Shenoy raised concerns about civic infrastructure in Mangaluru South, citing traffic congestion, poor roads, inadequate street lighting and irregular water supply. He questioned whether the MLA was giving sufficient attention to these issues.
Educationist Dr Suchitra Nayak also criticised what she described as selective intervention. She argued that an elected representative should address concerns fairly across institutions and encourage constructive discussions rather than demonstrations.
These comments represent the views and allegations of the individuals quoted in the report.
Debate over handling of the dispute
The controversy has prompted broader discussion among some residents about the role of elected representatives in resolving disputes involving educational institutions.
Some parents and local residents have alleged that minority-run institutions are disproportionately scrutinised in such controversies. They have called for equal treatment of educational institutions and a focus on Mangaluru’s civic and developmental priorities.
The immediate dispute centres on the timing of examinations during the Dasara period. The college has already rescheduled the two papers in question, while criticism of the MLA’s intervention continues.
The developments underline the importance of communication between students, educational institutions and public representatives when academic concerns arise.