BANGALORE: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has received over 1,000 applications from CET candidates requesting change of caste category.
But, following the recent scam in which categories of some candidates were tampered with and seats allotted in reputed professional colleges, the government is yet to take a decision though the first round of seat selection is about to end.
Sources in the KEA said the applications have been forwarded to the government. “Two meetings with legal experts were conducted at the government level. But, nothing has been decided,” said an official source.
Meanwhile, KEA has decided not to entertain applications seeking change. Last year, some officials had modified the categories of a few candidates. Some students from cities were given rural category seats and in some cases, general merit students were given reserved seats.
According to the officials, it is the responsibility of the parents and candidates to fill the application form carefully and the KEA cannot responsible for their mistakes.
“In a recent meeting, we expressed our opinion on not giving an option for change of category or quota. But, the final decision is left to the government,” remarked an official.
Speaking to Express, a student who applied for change of category, said, “How can the government take an anti-student decision? By mistake, I have mentioned my category as general while filling the application. However, I belong to a Scheculed Caste. If the government does not allow us to change the category, we will approach the court.”