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Abuse of university quota system: Offending officials, students to be sacked
A countrywide probe is underway to nab education officials, principals, teachers and students who collaborated in abusing the quota system for university admission, officials said yesterday.
They said those who helped students to fraudulently register in schools to sit the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) examination from areas outside their original district of study and gain university admissions would be hunted down.
Education Ministry Secterary Sunil Hettiarachchi said the students had abused the quota system given to under-developed areas and the ministry was expecting reports from provinces to take action against the offenders. He said those found guilty would be sacked.
A committee comprising officials of the University Grants Commission, the Examinations Department and the Education Ministry decided that students who fraudulently sat the exam would not be allowed to enter universities.
Mr. Hettiarachchi said students who had misused the facility and gained admission to the universities in the last batch would be removed from the campuses.
Examinations Commissioner W.M.N.J Pushpakumara told the Sunday Times that at least 100 such students had been identified so far, but further investigations were underway to nab those who had abused the quota system. Around 25,000 students were being checked as part of the investigations.
Under existing regulations, a student should be registered for a minimum of three years in a school in the respective district to be considered for university selection from the particular district.
UGC Chairman Mohan de Silva said students who had misused the facility and gained entry would be disqualified from universities on the grounds of providing false information.