Strict action against those extorting money from students: Bengal Minister

West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee on Tuesday said stern action will be taken against those tried to extort money from students for admission to colleges.

He also urged the selected students to complete the process through banks.

"Those who are involved in this, stern action will be taken against them. We also advise the students to take admission through banks if their names are in the merit lists of the colleges," Chatterjee told reporters here.

Noting that there are outsiders involved in this extortion, he asserted that the government will leave no stone unturned in identifying them.

"There are outsiders involved and we will identify them. We have already sent information to the colleges that there is no need for counselling. The list should be prepared on the basis of merit only," he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Monday paid a surprise visit to Asutosh College here and warned of "strong action" against anyone indulging in irregularities during the admission process.

She had said the students' unions should be "helping hands" for the students and make sure that those from poor families also get a chance to pursue higher education.

--IANS

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