To make more students attend sessions of the Indian Science Congress 2019, the Lovely Professional University (LPU) promised own students attendance and some marks in next semester, but only if they submit the ‘attendance proof slips.’
The university also handed out ‘attendance slips’ to students, one for each session, having their name, registration number, venue of session to be attended and most importantly a photograph of the student.
The slip which is a ‘proof’, was collected from students at the entrance of venues and at some venues students were also made to do signatures in the middle of the sessions to ensure that students did not leave just after submitting the slips. While attending ISC sessions was not compulsory for first and second year students, those in third and fourth year were issued the ‘attendance slips’ and some students were given as many as eight sessions to attend in five days (January 3-7, 2019).
A student said that they have also been told to prepare a report on all sessions they attended to get promised 30 marks.
“We had issued slips to almost 14,000 students and prepared their lists. This number was to be on safe side that even if 4,000 missed, there should be 10,000 students to sit at the venues. All proof slips collected at venues are being compiled and will be sent to respective teachers for the benefits that have been promised,” said the source.
Aman Mittal, Associate Director, Media and International linkages, said, “I am unaware of any such decision taken at academics level. I would not like to comment on it.”