Undue decision has left students in distress: Dr Farooq
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and Member of the Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday sought easing of students’ concerns with regards to the allocation of CUET-UG examination centres, saying these should be allocated locally only in Jammu and Kashmir as per the choices aspirants had selected during the form-filling process.
According to a party statement issued here, Dr Farooq said this while talking to the media person on the sidelines of his condolence visit to Hassanabad, Rainawari.
“The allocation of examination centres in other states has only added to their exam-related stress. Upon downloading their intimation slips, many students discovered that the centres allotted to them were not among the choices they had selected during the form-filling process. The decision has left students, especially those from poor backgrounds in a state of distress as they cannot afford the travel and lodging expenses. Disrupting and overburdening students already overburdened with the challenges of preparing for the highly competitive entrance test is highly reprehensible,” he said.
He added, “The decision to move the exam centres outside J&K not only places an undue financial burden on families already struggling to make ends meet but also exposes their children to unnecessary hardship and distress. I hope the concerned authorities will take up the issues with NTA and confine the examination centers within Jammu & Kashmir. I will also take up the issue with the concerned for prompt resolution.”
DPAP demands immediate govt intervention
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) has urged the government to intervene by taking up the matter with the National Testing Agency and Education Ministry on the reallocation of the examination centres of CUET back to Jammu and Kashmir as poor students can’t afford to go to out to appear in other states.
In a statement, a DPAP spokesperson said that the party stands committed to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and in this case, it demands immediate government intervention in reallocation of CUET examination centres back in Jammu and Kashmir.
“How is it possible for poor students of far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir to appear in examination centres of CUET outside states? It doesn’t only involve travel but accommodation also which is impossible for families to bear with,” he said.
Seeking reservation of students of Jammu and Kashmir in CUET, the spokesperson said that it was for the first time that outside centres have been allotted to local students, which is bound to invite criticism.
Rana seeks LG’s intervention
Sharing the concern of Jammu and Kashmir students appearing in the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) about their centres being located outside the Union Territory, senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana on Thursday sought the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for setting up of the centres within J&K.
In a statement, Rana said the Lieutenant Governor has been kind enough to assure that the issue will be taken up at an appropriate forum for redressing the genuine grievances of the aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir.
He expressed surprise over the decision of the National Testing Agency for allocating the J&K students centres outside the UT and not having made any arrangements for conducting tests locally at district or tehsil levels.
“The move will discourage students belonging to financially disadvantaged families to undertake journeys outside the UT for appearing in the test. This is illogical and the decision needs to be reversed in the large interest of the candidates,” he said, adding that the candidates had not preferred centres outside Jammu and Kashmir while exercising their options.
He expressed solidarity with the protesting students and hoped that the concerned agency will take a considerate view over the issue and have an adequate number of centres set up in Jammu and Kashmir for the convenience of the aspirants.
A major hurdle for our students: Zaffer Mir
Prominent political leader Zaffer Mir (Lasjan) on Thursday expressed deep concern over the predicament faced by Kashmiri students as they prepare for the highly anticipated CUET exam.
In a statement issued here, Zaffer said the major hurdle our students face is the establishment of examination centres outside Kashmir Valley, especially at a time when domestic flight fares are at par with international rates, which creates a significant financial burden to their already challenging situation.
He called upon the Lieutenant Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha to promptly intervene and address the issue by establishing examination centres within Kashmir itself.
“This step would ensure fair access and equitable opportunities for all Kashmiri students without the need to travel outside the region as the high flight fares have created financial strain, making it difficult for aspiring examinees to bear the additional costs,” he observed. He said that by establishing exam centres in Kashmir, the administration can alleviate the financial burden and provide a level playing field for all students.
This genuine plea echoes the shared sentiment that education plays a pivotal role in progress and development in any society, Mir said, adding that the establishment of exam centers in Kashmir would showcase the administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that enables academic growth and empowers Kashmiri students to pursue their aspirations.
