Odisha JEE Draws Flak Over MBBS/BDS Counselling Amid Cyclone ‘Dana’, Students Demand Postponement

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) authorities have come under stinging attack from different quarters for asking candidates who participated in MBBS/BDS counselling to report at allotted colleges at a time when the state is gearing up to grapple with severe cyclone ‘Dana.’

Candidates and their parents pointed out that the OJEE authorities have asked all those who had participated in MBBS/BDS counselling up to 3rd round to report physically to their final allotted colleges between October 24 and 26 though the severe cyclonic storm is set to hit Odisha coast by Friday morning.

While various examinations have been postponed in view of the impending cyclone, OJEE’s failure to postpone the counselling session scheduled to be held between Thursday and October 26 has invited flak from students.

Despite the cyclone threat, the OJEE counselling schedule remains unchanged, triggering resentment among students. Many candidates pointed out that all educational institutions, including colleges and universities have been shut by the government in view of the cyclone. Many examinations scheduled during this period have also been postponed, they said.

Even the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPCC) has postponed the preliminary examination for the state civil services which was scheduled to be held on October 27 because of the impending cyclone, they said.

Accusing the OJEE authorities of adopting an ‘irresponsible’ approach, they demanded immediate steps to postpone the counselling process to ensure the safety and security of the candidates.

Concerns are being raised about the safety of candidates and many wonder as to how students will be able to attend counselling sessions physically at medical colleges located in areas expected to be hit by the cyclone.

Students said that the weather agency has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rain coupled with high-velocity wind under the influence of the cyclone, which will make it tough for many to attend the counselling session. Many were of the view that it will be difficult for candidates t o reach the allotted colleges for counselling in areas like Balasore, Kendrapada, and Bhadrak.