Menon for probe into trade over admission

An independent investigation into the allegations of admission trade at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College can be conducted, said president of the institution's governing body Rashed Khan Menon yesterday.
"The Department of Inspection and Audit (DIA) of Directorate General of Secondary and Higher Education can launch an independent investigation into the allegations of admission trade at the college," Menon told journalists at a press conference at Shaheed Asad auditorium in the city's Paltan area.
The press conference on the recent row over appointing a new principal at the college eventually turned into a press briefing on admission trade there.
About the allegations of admission trade against him, Menon said those were ill-motivated.
He, however, admitted that he had made some recommendations for seats to the then acting principal Rokeya Akter Begum.
"In my long political life I have made many friends like ministers, lawmakers, editors and journalists. As I could not refuse many of those friends I forwarded requests for about 100 to 150 seats to the last acting principal," said Menon, adding that now that a base mark for admission has been set, one who does not meet the criteria does not get admitted.
He alleged that the last acting principal of the college was involved in admission trade in 2009 and 2010.
Contacted over the phone yesterday afternoon, Rokeya Akter said no one got admission on the basis of recommendations in 2009 and she was not involved in any kind of admission trade in 2010.
She, however, said a few cases of enrolment on political and other recommendations did take place this year.
"I could not stay at the college as I was against the illegal trade of admission. I am sure the trade will now continue at the institution," said Rokeya Akter.