Heart-rending scenes as latecomers turned away

Hyderabad: Pathetic and heart-rending scenes were witnessed at many centres where the Eamcet exam was held on Thursday, as officials barred entry of students coming late by even a minute. Though the authorities had advised the students to reach the exam centres half-an-hour in advance, and warned that no student would be allowed even if arrives late by one minute, many students literally missed the bus in reaching the exam centres in time due to many unforeseen reasons.

The chaotic traffic snarls due to Metro Rail works, lack of road sense and erratic driving by the auto-drivers etc prevented many students from reaching the exam centres on time. Railway level crossings due to closure of gates at some places also added to the woes of students.

Many students were found literally in tears and pleading with the officials to permit them to enter as they would be losing one year of their academic career. Parents, who have pinned their hopes on their wards to take up professional courses, were shocked and heartbroken on finding that their children’s entry was being barred for arriving a few seconds late. Some parents also wept along with their children for being denied entry into the exam centres.

One girl student who raced to the exam centre at MNR College in Kukatpally and was late by one minute was not allowed entry. She along with her parents pleaded with the officials to allow entry as her year-long preparation would go waste. But the officials remained adamant and refused permission.

The irate parents even picked up an argument, but of no avail. Similarly, three students who reached exam centres late by one minute were also asked go back in Chilkuru of Kodad in Nalgonda district.