A 22-year-old woman has written to education minister Vinod Tawde complaining about the “lacunae” and red tape in the existing educational system which “act as deterrent” in pursuing studies, and sought permission to end her life.

The woman, a resident of Palghar, sent the letter narrating her plight to Mr Tawde last night and released its copies to the media. In the letter, she referred to the “lacunae” and red tape in the education system, which she said, puts “too many terms and conditions” for taking admission and act as “deterrent in pursuing studies” and subsequently making a successful career.

“I would like to seek your permission to end my life as I have been unsuccessful in my career due to too many procedures required to complete education,” the woman said. The woman said she was doing a bachelor’s course in pharmacy from a private college in Palghar.

“My father somehow managed to pay Rs 1.5 lakh donation and three years’ fees of the college. In the mid-term of my third year, the college did not allow me to sit for exams as I had not submitted my caste validity certificate,” she said. “I completed my first and second year with first class. After repeated visits over several months to government offices, my father got my certificate. But, when I submitted it to the college, they said it was too late and I will have to start my course all over again. I was shocked...I made every attempt to convince my principal and college management, but they rejected my plea and referred to university rules,” the woman said.