Chandigarh: Protests were held at Panjab University on Monday after around 80 to 90 students of the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) were reportedly detained from continuing their courses after being unable to meet the university’s 50% aggregate requirement.Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest in UIET, while members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) gathered outside the vice-chancellor’s office, demanding relief for affected students.The student groups sought a special chance for the students like other departments, arguing that those who have been unable to meet the prescribed aggregate should be given an opportunity to clear their academic requirements rather than being made to repeat an academic year.Students said the issue could affect a significant number of UIET students and demanded that the university consider the matter on humanitarian and academic grounds. The protesters also sought clarity from the administration on the applicable rules and options available to affected students.The university is yet to clear its position on the issue. The protests come amid preparations for the new academic session and ongoing student elections.
