Agitations derail Polytechnic admissions

KADAPA: The frequent postponement of the second phase of counselling for admissions to polytechnic colleges has caused much disappointment to candidates aspiring to study diploma courses in engineering.The counselling, postponed four times since August 3, has been postponed once again due to the Sakala Janula Samme in the Telangana region.As many as 12,000 candidates across the state are a worried lot with no assurance from the State Technical Board on the next phase of admissions.The Polytechnic Entrance Exam (CEEP) was conducted in April. The qualifiers attended the first phase of counselling held on May 11, 12 and 13.In Kadapa district the counselling was held for admissions to polytechnic colleges in Kadapa, Proddatur, Kamalapuram, Pulivendula, Simhadripuram, Badvel and Vempale. Those who could not get seats in nearby colleges or at least in the same district and also those who could not secure a seat in the branch of study of their choice have been anxiously waiting for the second phase which was to be held August 3 and 4.Meanwhile, those who secured seats in the first phase and joined the allotted colleges, are progressing in their studies and are even preparing for the first unit test.As for those who joined private colleges and are awaiting the second phase of counselling their worries have compounded with the college managements keeping their original certificates with them.The uncertainty over the next round of counselling has forced several students to bring pressure on the State Board of Technical Education by sending e-mails.In Kadapa district nearly 500 students are eagerly waiting for the next round of counselling.“I got a seat in a polytechnic college in Simhadripuram mandal in the first phase. But there is no proper bus service from Proddatur to that college. I am waiting for the second-phase counselling in the hope of securing admission to a college in Proddatur itself,’’ said S Sameer.When contacted by Express, regional joint director of technical education B Suryudu said they were yet to decide on the fresh date of second counselling which they had to postpone several times on account of the unrest in Telangana.