Following a directive by the Government of India, educational institutions across Gujarat have organised Tiranga Yatras, with Gujarat University holding its event on Wednesday.
However, to boost attendance for the event, the university announced five additional marks in the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) soft skills subject exam for students who participated.
Circulars were sent to all department heads and college principals stating that the yatra would be counted as a project activity in the IKS subject, with marks awarded based on attendance recorded by coordinators.
Principals, heads, and directors of institutions were instructed to send students along with their coordinators for the event.
The move attracted 3,150 students from university departments along with NSS and NCC members, pushing the total participation to around 3,500. Students were also provided food packets after the rally.
The five-mark incentive has triggered criticism from educationists, who questioned the practice of luring students with marks to attend a patriotic event.