Delhi University's sporting gesture

Varsity cracks down on corruption, committee to monitor admissions under sports quota

Varsity cracks down on corruption, committee to monitor admissions under sports quota

Persons left breathless after brisk walking needn't apply to Delhi University (DU) through the sports quota. That seems to be the message from the varsity; it has decided to set up a committee to scan admissions made under this category. The sports quota has acquired a dubious name over the years, with widespread allegations of corruption, prejudice and duplicity in the admission process.

The committee formed will prepare guidelines for admittance under the sports quota and colleges will have to adhere to them.

This will clip the wings of institutions, which exercise their 'discretionary powers' to admit students with recommendation letters under this quota. The committee will review admissions for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

S K Vij, dean (Students Welfare) said: "For years, there hve been complaints that the sports and extra-

QUOTA CONTROVERSY

In an RTI filed by a national-level football player in 2008, it was revealed how he was being denied admission under the sports quota by one of the top-most colleges in DU, instead favouring someone with lesser merit. A case in point is Abhishek Chandran, 18, who had applied for admission in the Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) through the sports quota. Eventually, three boys who made it to the final list opted out, yet Chandran was denied a seat. The college endorsed its act by saying that it is up to the college to identify which particular skill is required and not everyone will get through. The SRCC has five per cent seats for admissions under the sports quota.

curricular activities quota has been the mainstay for back-door admissions to the Delhi University. But that will soon change. The committee will decide on the effectiveness of sports quota. We will also be looking into the past records of students admitted through this quota. If it is a success, the entire process can be made transparent and brought into effect from this year."

Interestingly, while students need to secure 90 per cent and above in their 12th boards to step into some top colleges, students with even 45 per cent marks manage to get in through the sports quota.

According to university rules, only national champions, junior national champions or state-level players should be given entry under this quota. Students who have represented their schools at national competitions can also apply under the sports quota.

The varsity plans to keep a check on every student admitted through this quota. "Now we also want to ensure that whosoever is admitted also performs. We have had many complaints where students do not participate in events after getting admitted. They just produce the certificates to get into a good college," added Vij.