DTE helpline needs help

MiD DAY finds numbers meant to answer queries of MBA aspirants either unattended or not working

MiD DAY finds numbers meant to answer queries of MBA aspirants either unattended or not working

For three days now, MBA aspirant Rushali Shah has been desperately trying to get a response from the helpline of the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) but to no avail. A former student of Sinhagad College of Science, Shah appeared for the MBA entrance tests after completing her BBA, but is now afraid her chances might be affected as she is yet to get a domicile certificate.


Not available: When MiD DAY called the helpline, the number was either
inaccessible or went unattended

Not aware of what to do in such a situation, Shah has been trying to call the helpline set up by the DTE but is yet to get a response."I wasn't aware that a domicile certificate was necessary for MBA admissions and the last date for submitting the documents is May 31. Even if I apply for a new one, it will take three months. In such a situation, I am confused over what should be done and I need help and advice from the DTE officials. So far, it's been frustrating as I have called their helpline several times but its either busy or not in working order," said Shah.

Like her, many students who are facing problems with the MBA admission procedures or need guidance are stranded, as the helpline is not working. Ankur Mishra, another MBA aspirant, said: "Firstly, I don't know at which centre I should submit my documents. The city has eight centres for submitting and verifying documents, but we don't know which one to go to and if prior appointment is needed. I am in my hometown and was calling the helpline to know what all documents are required. If anything is needed from here, I could get it along but I got no response," he said.

To check on the students claims, MiD DAY also called the DTE helpline numbers (022-30233444 or 022-30233445 or 022-30233446) every half hour between 1 pm to 7 pm. We found the helpline numbers were indeed defunct as the numbers were inaccessible at all times. When told about the students' complaints and even MiD DAY's efforts to reach the helpline, D N Shingade, regional director of DTE, said he was unaware of the problem as no complaints were made to him. "Maybe the numbers are busy as there are too many calls. I will look into it," he said.

MiD DAY attempted to contact the helpline twice after explaining the situation to Shingade, but encountered the same problem. Once the number was inaccessible and the second time no one answered the call.