Nursing students up in arms against Varsity

CHENNAI: Just as the dust had begun to settle after a prolonged stir by the medical students against the examination regulations set down by the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University came to an end, nursing students from various colleges affiliated to the varsity staged a protest on Thursday.This stir, which according to the apex medical varsity’s statement, included some ‘300 students’ in front of the University building, was the aftermath of the Vice Chancellor not responding to a representation made by them on Wednesday.The major demands set down by the nursing students, much like the medicos, are for abolishing the break system, so that students can go to the next year despite having arrears. They have also sought reduction in external exam marks from 100 to 75 as well as for a reduction in the minimum attendance from 90 per cent.Instant retotalling of failed papers, is another demand. Spurred on by the success of the medical students in achieving their end, they staged a protest and raised slogans for their ‘rights’.A statement issued by the Registrar of the university has said that all these demands would be placed before the Board of Studies on December 12 and the recommendations made thereof to be given to the Standing Academic Board on December 29.