Amid pandemic blues, virtual counselling is need of hour

Do you think holding online counselling is appropriate in the present scenario?

EWS students are not equipped with gadgets

Introduction of online common counselling mode will not prove fruitful during the present scenario as the prospective students are not fully aware about the technical ‘know-how’ to be followed for the process. Further, a great majority of the candidates especially from the rural area and economically weaker sections of the society are not optimally equipped with the gadgets and training is required for online procedure involving scanning, uploading and downloading of their documents. Paid services provided by private cyber café are not equally accessible to these students. In rural belts, there is no access to help desks too. At this juncture, online common counselling system should not be introduced as it will not be successful in providing an equal opportunity to all candidates facing constrained circumstances in the prevailing pandemic. Let there be more deliberations involving all stakeholders before implementation of the system. And better to wait till we gain a transition towards normalcy.

Dr RS Jhanji

Will definitely yield positive results

Masses throughout the globe have witnessed a situation of panic due to the Covid pandemic. As lockdown was imposed in most of the countries, schools and colleges were shut. After the first wave started receding, the government allowed schools and colleges to reopen with implementation of certain guidelines and rules to be followed restricting with the capacity of the students in the classes and strictly following the rules and guidelines as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Various universities/education boards promoted the students to next class. Apart from vaccination, second wave of the pandemic disturbed the academic schedule of students, as once again most of the schools promoted the students to the next class, Examinations were either postponed or the students were promoted to next class without exams, as the students studied in their respective classes from home through live virtual attendance of their prescribed courses on their computers/mobile phones. With the second wave receding, the decision of holding counseling for admission to colleges online is a good option. This is a positive visionary idea as due to the expected third wave of Covid this can prove better to set aside the rush of students for counselling in various colleges. Earlier, the government had adopted the system of counselling for various streams on the line of engineering and medical etc for admission to various colleges as per their grades. Online counselling will certainly yield positive results.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Online admissions

are essential

Though there is some respite from Covid spread, experts have warned that the expected third wave may be in the offing. The country and Punjab in particular, has suffered a lot due to high mortality rate because of the pandemic. The WHO had named the Indian variant as Delta. So the state government is rightly preparing to set up a portal for online common counselling for college admissions. If there is offline admission in the colleges, the students will gather in hordes throwing Covid norms to wind. Online admissions are also essential as the virus is affecting youth more. But the problem with this method is that many students can’t afford to buy smart phones because of economic constraints and may face problems in going online. The government and NGOs should come forward to donate smart phones to such needy students. The college administration should also forego extra expenses to such students. The education is a must for all students for the progress of the society and the country.

Dr JS Wadhwa

Poor, marginalised students may suffer

Like others, Covid pandemic has also given a severe blow to the nation’s education sector for two years. Keeping in mind health and safety of students, schools, colleges and universities have been closed and physical classes have been replaced by online teaching. Due to lack of proper digital infrastructure, poor and marginalised students and those from rural and remote areas have already faced umpteen difficulties in coping with the new learning process. Annual or semester examinations have been disrupted and entrance tests have been put on hold. The worst-hit are those students who wish to join institutions of higher learning for their career advancement for a better future. On priority basis, the authorities are constantly engaged in devising ways to resurrect the badly battered and bruised education system, and provide these aspirants a just, fair, smooth and inclusive opportunity to realise their cherished dreams. While the Centre and many state governments have expressed serious reservations about conducting offline exams for Class XII and mull promoting students solely on the basis of their internal assessment this year also, many deemed to be and private universities have opted for online tests and interviews for admissions to professional courses and look forward to starting online classes immediately. In the given situation, the Punjab Government’s decision to set up a portal for online common counselling for college admissions in the current academic year is preferable to putting the lives of students in jeopardy. As the state is suffering from resource crunch, the PSEB schools cannot afford a CBSE/ICSE-like rigorous internal assessment based on internal exams to evaluate the performance of students. The authorities should ensure that only deserving students make it to the institutions of higher education.

DS Kang

Good software should be ensured

Every year thousands of students need had to go to campus multiple times to get forms, submit them and then to check their selection list, which was a very tedious and tiring process. In present time of pandemic, online counselling has made all complexities of admission an easy one. It is very difficult to call all eligible candidates for counselling because of huge number of applications and there were chances of misplacement also. So much expenditure is wasted in printing admission forms, candidates have to queue up to collect and deposit which is certainly not a good idea in this time of pandemic. Good software to make admission process hassle-free and lessen manual work should be ensured by the government. All processes from admission form to submission of fee going online will ease the burden and stress on students and authorities. It will also increase transparency and is a good move.

Shashi Kiran

Best alternative method available

The state government’s move to start the process of online common counselling for college admissions is the best alternative available in view of the ongoing pandemic. The University Grants Commission has already issued directives to all universities to conduct online admission from the following year as the system is mutually beneficial to both the universities and the applicants. The measure taken by the state government is both in consonance with future trends of admissions to professional colleges/universities.

Jagdish Chander

Technical glitches can’t be ignored

Adapting to the changing scenario is an important aspect to keep the development and growth on. Now that the second wave of Covid has started receding, the government should not take any risk in allowing any such activity which can prove to be a super spreader event. Though vaccination drive is on at a satisfactory rate in the nation, gathering of masses should be avoided. Owing to these conditions, online counseling for college admissions is a better choice at this time. If we list the pros of conducting online counseling, they include that it fits with the present scenario of pandemic and is a safe method. Even the staff can work from home and nobody is required to come out of their homes. On the other hand, the cons of the move are that parents and families with no access to Internet or smart phones will be facing problems in accessing the facility. Also, employment of more tech savvy staff will be required to facilitate this mode of counselling. As the mode is dependent on technology and appliances, there are increased chances of facing glitches, which will affect the process negatively.

Vinay Kumar

Divergent reactions of academicians

The ongoing pandemic has disrupted the normal process of seeking admission to preferred temples of higher learning. Because of a delayed decision about the cancellation of Class XII exams, many private universities and autonomous colleges have taken to online entrance tests and counselling. Likewise, the state government’s initiative for online common counselling for college admissions despite stiff opposition from an overwhelming majority of the student community has attracted divergent reactions from educationalists, academicians and other stakeholders. The votaries of online counselling hail the decision as more appropriate and pragmatic in view of the health and future of students, but others deem it ill-conceived and ridiculous. In the absence of physical classes and final exams, judging the quality of students’ performance and their prospects for higher education on the basis of past performance, internal assessment or online tests will be a cruel joke. It will have a serious negative impact not only on our already ailing educational system but also on their physical, mental and social well-being. As the number of Covid cases is on the decline, it is time to set aside perpetual suspicion, paranoia and fear psychosis about opening educational institutions and keeping students for long hours in the examination centres. The concerned authorities should streamline entrance tests and counselling/admission procedure amid complete adherence to precautionary measures. This will protect the interests of the hardworking, deserving and meritorious students and help them to gain admission to higher educational institutions of their choice and keep a check on the undeserving ones.

Tajpreet S Kang

Decision needs to

be redesigned

As the state government is planning to set up a common counselling portal for admission to various colleges, I don’t think the method is appropriate as college is the place where future of a student is shaped. It is one of the most important decisions in the life a student so as to choose which college to pursue their dreams. And this decision can’t be taken online. The students need to visit the college, see the campus personally and interact with teachers etc. as their life’s next three to four years will be spent at that place. In my opinion, this decision regarding online portal is not sound, and needs to be resigned with offline admissions.

Bakshdeep Singh Walia

Low computer literacy a concern

In Punjab, though Internet penetration is rather high, Internet connectivity and speed issues are major impediments to bring any real advantage to university applicants. Most rural areas experience high blackouts and electricity issues. Another major concern is the low rate of computer literacy in India. Current estimates say that only about 7 percent Indians are computer savvy. A sudden shift to the online admission process is likely to cause confusion and despondency among a great many applicants. In most manual admission processes, the eligibility of candidates is proved by verification of originals at the time of accepting applications, ensuring that only genuine candidates apply. Online applications make it easier for fraudsters to manipulate the application process and eligibility requirements. So I am not in favour of to set up a portal for online common counselling for college admissions.

Dr Manpreet Kaur

Step may prove harmful to system

The state government’s centralised online counselling process seems to be discriminatory as it is applicable to government and government-aided colleges only and all private university are kept out of the preview of this policy. Admission schedule and processes are discretionary powers of the universities and the rules and regulations framed by the affiliating universities are applicable to all colleges. Moreover, the academic calendars and admission policy of the three main government universities of Punjab are not common and differ in many respects. Then, how can one think of a common counselling portal for all colleges which are affiliated to different universities? The model of centralised counselling has already been proved unsuccessful in the case of centralised admission for BEd course. The same for Panjab University, Chandigarh, in the case of admission to BCom course had failed miserably, despite the fact that the complications were too less, it is the single course only as compared to the model under consideration. At this time, when the state is struggling with the pandemic, doing experiments by adopting such methods may prove harmful to the system.

Dr Ajit Kumar

Will ensure safety

of students

Once, Nelson Mandela was asked that how one can change the world? With a sparkle in his eyes waiting to become the fire of revolution, he replied: through education. Education is a never-ending holistic process of overall development encapsulating observation, of oneself and society, of critical analysis of subject and making of a responsible personality driven by legal and moral conduct. With such a responsibility of this sector, it becomes important for the governments to take the decisions conducive to overall benefit of students and fraternity. The recent proposal by the Government of Punjab of modelling an online portal to provide collective counselling of all colleges in the state at one platform has been taken in regard to the ongoing Covid crisis, which has wreaked havoc across the world. The decision will ensure that the health of students, teachers, administration faculty and fraternity is not jeopardised. Moreover, it will provide a range of options available to students at one platform, and to make a more informed decision in regard to their careers. But, despite all benefits available at this synchronised digital platform, there are some concerns which require to be addressed. First, it is not an unknown fact that educational institutions have become marketing centres, therefore the boasted facts about faculties, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities such as ground, etc. require on ground validation, which in case of digital option will not be available for students. Second, the digital divide among students of having the option to access such ventures is quite a large. Thereby the bottom half of the students might not be able to get the access of the same. Third, being a student, I can understand the relationship which is built with the teacher, the college as an institution and fellow students, can be formed on the basis of interaction and engagement, and the visit during that counselling session is the most connecting part when one observe the infrastructure and the ambience which is certainly going to be missed in the said proposal. No wonders, the government’s proposal is to deal with these challenging times, but the repercussions of choosing a wrong college, where a student will not be able to feel the connection can be humungous.

Lokinder Sharma

Not good substitute to physical counselling

Holding common online counselling is an unsuitable method in the present pandemic scenario. It discriminates against students who do not have access to consistent Internet. The process is unviable and will be plagued with frequent problems e.g. deposition of fees online, seeking fee concessions for sports or economically weaker section students, change of subjects etc. which can easily be taken care of by institutes themselves. Already the Covid pandemic has disturbed lives of many persons, the new pronouncement will further subject students and their parents to unnecessary hassle for seeking admission in colleges. Earlier, common admissions for BEd and law colleges had been introduced which was an unsuccessful move. Now the government is introducing the same flop system for all colleges in the state. In my opinion, current college admission process adopted by respective colleges is suitable for meeting the varied needs of students as well as the educational institutes themselves.

Dr Bhanvi Wadhawan

Students may face connectivity issues

The decision of common online counselling for college admissions will prove disastrous for students residing in areas with poor connectivity. Besides, meritorious students shall lag behind in the competition due to lack of monetary assistance for requisite Internet facilities. The lack of proper training of teachers as well as students will be a hindrance in the otherwise smooth counselling sessions. The chances of errors, ambiguity, and duplicity will increase manifold. It will enhance rat race in the choice of programmes as the students won’t be adequately informed about the available courses.

Dr Harleen Kaur

Online platform an effective way out

Probably, restoration of normalcy will take some more time as the fight to tame the virus and its new variants is yet not at full throttle. Although intensity of Covid wave is declining, but we can’t be complacent till everyone is protected through jab. Much emphasised inoculation drive may, however, not be completed as per the prescribed schedule due to inadequate health infra and vaccine availability problems. Counselling for admission to higher academia and entry to professional courses, much in demand, has to be conducted fairly and timely. Scared of the contagion, the government is planning to set up a common e-portal for the purpose, though it is in contradiction to the government’s own policy to accord educational autonomy to institutions. That’s is why, some experts do not subscribe to the idea and call admissions through common e- portal an irrational, inappropriate and a non-feasible recourse undermining the interests of distant and smaller institutions. Whereas, under the prevailing scenario of restricted mobility and social distancing protocols, we have limited options amongst which online platform is envisaged as an effective way out.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Bolt from the blue for colleges

This letter is from the Panjab University Principals’ Association. We would say, an ill-conceived decision, of the state government through the Higher Education Secretary, to start online portal for the joint admissions of the three state universities, i.e. Panjab University, Chandigarh; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; and Punjabi University, Patiala. This has been received by the colleges and the teaching fraternity as a bolt from the blue. Already youth of Punjab and their craze of going abroad are having an impact on the working, strength and financial health of colleges. It is not a hidden fact today from anyone. The Covid pandemic has further worsened the situation in both — urban and rural areas. Because of this, numerous college students are unable to pay their admission fees. This order will create anarchy in the whole admission process that too at times when colleges are facing financial hardships. The order is also discriminatory as private universities are not covered under the move. It is pertinent to add here that Panjab University had a few years ago, started with a joint admission portal with regard to BCom admissions. Because of its intrinsic disorganisation, this was later limited to the colleges of Chandigarh only. The government without learning a lesson from that fiasco is establishing yet another joint online admission portal. This is highly questionable. We feel that this decision has been taken without taking the stakeholders into confidence and they were not even consulted.

Dr NR Sharma

A failed system, Edu sector will collapse

The Higher Education Secretary letter memo no. HED-EDU IORSRV/2/2021- 3EDUI/1291-1293 dated 10.05.2021 infomed to start joint online admission portal for Punjabi University Patiala; Panjab University, Chandigarh; and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; from the current session won’t be much beneficial to students. The Punjab Government Act, 1956, provides autonomy to the universities to frame regulations regarding admissions, conduct of examinations etc. as they are different in many ways. The model of online admission doesn’t suit the situation as the decreasing number of admissions in the colleges over the past three to four years. Online admission process was launched in the past for BEd and BCom courses, which failed. If the same failed system is imposed on degree colleges now, it will surely lead to the collapse of all institutions of higher education of Punjab. The online admission portal will also deprive many students of higher education as they will not be able to pay fee in one go.

Dr Sarita Bahl

Poor connectivity in rural areas a concern

Most of the students studying in Mukerian Dasmesh Girls College hail from rural/remote areas and there is always a problem of network connectivity there. These students also need teachers’ guidance to choose courses, which they will be unable to avail effectively through online mode. Many students also opt to change subjects after getting admission and this will be difficult with the new decision made. In view of these problems, I being the Principal of the girls’ college request the government to defer common online admission portal and continue with the counselling process for admission to colleges through physical mode for the students’ convenience.

Dr Karamjeet Kaur

Students from rural belt won’t be benefitted much

• I don’t think that it will solve the purpose in broader perspective. Urban students are tech savvy but in rural areas, there are connectivity issues. They are not that techonology-aquainted and not every student has a smart phone to avail the facility.
• If this is going to be the picture, then this whole exercise will go futile. It’s a difficult decision to make. Although, we don’t want to put students’ lives at risk but same thing would happen with students from underprivileged areas if we go for online counselling.
• In the current scenario when government wants the students to sit inside and opt for online counselling, rural students will be forced to come out to go to some cyber café to get this work done. Dr Kawaljit Kaur

QUESTION

Cancellation of CBSE/ICSE Class XII exams has evoked a mixed response. Those wishing to pursue higher studies abroad are baffled. Do you think it will impact the future of students who wanted to enrol themselves in foreign universities?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to jalandhardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (June 10).