SC panel notice to Punjab govt as students fail to get roll numbers

CHANDIGARH: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has issued a notice to the Punjab government over non-issuance of roll numbers by colleges to Dalit students enrolled under the post-matric scholarship scheme.

The commission, which took a note of the protests by students over the issue, asked the state government to ensure that the roll numbers are issued immediately.

Various private colleges in the state, particularly one in Barnala, are forcing the SC students to submit fees as a precondition for the issuance of their roll numbers, it is alleged.

National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman Vijay Sampla issued the notice to the chief secretary, principal secretary (social justice, empowerment and minorities) and the Barnala deputy commissioner and senior superintendent of police (SSP) asking them to submit “facts and information on the action taken” in the matter within 15 days,.

Sampla said withholding the roll number or degree of any student admitted under the post-matric scholarship was an offence.

“Strict action should be taken against the erring colleges/institutes,” he said.

He also cautioned the officials that if the action taken report is not received within the stipulated time, the commission may exercise the powers of civil courts conferred on it under Article 338 and issue summons for their personal appearance in Delhi.

PRIVATE COLLEGES IN THE STATE ARE FORCING DALIT STUDENTS TO SUBMIT FEE AS A PRE-CONDITION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THEIR ROLL NUMBERS