Delay in ComedK Counselling Irks Outstation Students

The counselling process for the ComedK's Under-Graduate Entrance Test (UGET) began yesterday on June 28, 2016 at 8.30 am. The process was said to be really slow due to disruptions in the seat selection process. The delay in the COMEDK's counselling process left students and parents uncomfortable situations. Students and parents from out ot stations were irked the most, the delay in the process forced these students to cancel their flight and train tickets.

The first day of the counselling process was supposed to end at 5.45pm but it is said to have continue late into the night. The process was expected to be over by midnight.

Students and parents from across country had travelled to reach the counselling centre, NMKRV College for Women. The counselling began on time but mobed at a snail's pace. The DAY 1 of Comedk counselling was for students with rank number between 1 and 3,000, but candidates with ranks beyond 3,000 also turned up created confusion among them.

A parent from Uttarakhand told TOI, ""My son's counselling was scheduled for 4.30pm, but even after 6pm, they didn't approach us. Till 6pm, ComedK authorities conducted counselling for only 1,000 students. My flight is at 10.45pm, but I have cancelled the tickets. Now we have booked a hotel room. Who will reimburse us?"

The DAY 1 of COMEDK counselling also saw heated arguments between parents and the officials, as the officials at the counselling centres were blaming the private agency which provided the software for the counselling process, which delayed the counselling process further.

"We are paying so much fees and getting this in return. Can't they conduct a mock process a day before the counselling? This is ridiculous," said a parent.

An exasperated Sabyasachi Behera, a student from Madhya Pradesh, said he had no option but to miss his train, which was supposed to depart at 7.30pm. "I will not get a single rupee back. It's very frustrating."

Many were irked by the lack of facilities at the counselling centre. Participants had to brave the rain as there was no proper shelter. Students and parents were seen sitting on the footpath. Amitabh Sinha, a parent from Delhi, said, "ComedK is very inefficient. It is causing so much inconvenience to everyone", he rued.

"The least they could have done is made basic arrangements for outstation parents. We couldn't find a drinking water facility. It's a shame that our parents have to sit on the pavement," said Pratik Singh, a student from Rajasthan.