Srinagar, Dec 12 (KNS): J&K Students Association on Saturday wrote to Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, Jamia Millia Islamia Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar, urging them to scrap Online Proctored mode of examination.
In a statement to Kashmir News Service (KNS), spokesperson of the Association Nasir Khuehami said that Jamia administration's arbitrary decision to conduct online proctored mode of examination is inconsiderate to the issues raised by the students and is highly condemnable. "It is very evident that these guidelines reinforce the spirit of elitism into our education system because the students from marginalised communities cannot afford the laptops and PCs'. Exam and education should never be a privilege. This new dictate makes education a privilege in place of right which will cause depression among the students", he said.
He said that majority of Jamia students belong to backward districts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya pradesh, J&K and other southern states. "Such an exclusionary and unfair mode of exam will ruin their career. Students from all walks of life should be put on an equal standing and the general will should be kept in consideration. This decision is taken in a completely undemocratic manner without any consideration with students", Khuehami said.
He added that the unavailability of high speed internet connectivity has hampered and halted the process of online classes of students. "Due to continuous ban of high speed internet connectivity (4G services), Kashmiri students would not be able to attend exams. Most of students are hailing from lower class and have no source of income. Education sector has been the worst victim in Kashmir valley and with internet services snapped, the students have no source to attend exams in such circumstances", he said and added "Heavy snowfall in Kashmir leads to power cuts of 7-8 hours due to which students won't have any alternative of wifi services as well".
"In addition to this, the frequent power cuts, harsh winters, the exams are no way possible in kashmir valley", he said.
"We are well aware about the fact that the unending saga of Covid 19 has led to the economic collapse world over. Therefore many students already belonging to the downtrodden section cannot afford to buy new electronic gadgets at this movment of crisis. Therefore this whole move will lead to the psycological trauma among students, financial constraints among their families and most of all the unlawful, unethical ineligibility which will result in their failure", he futher added.
He appealed Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and Jamia Millia Islamia Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar to take immediate steps to resolve the issue and scrap online proctored mode of examination so that justice will prevail. (KNS)