Srinagar, May 10: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today expressed disappointment over Supreme Court’s decision turning down a plea of JK government, to hold separate entrance exam for medical courses.
Dismayed by the decision, President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement issued to KNS said that National Eligibility- cum-Entrance Test (NEET) cannot be imposed on JK as the state enjoys special status unlike any other state, by virtue of Article 370 and 35A of constitution of India.
While education was brought in the concurrent list in other states by parliament in late 1970s, it continues to be in the state list in JK.
Only state has exclusive powers in matters of education including the right to conduct examination for admissions in medical courses.
Even the 2010 notification of MCI on NEET which became the basis for holding a single common entrance test across the country was not extended to JK.
In view of special status JK continues to have separate reservation policy for admissions in professional institutions and amendments in article 16 of the constitution of India were not extended to JK.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
This is a chilling verdict and an attempt to erode the autonomous character of the state.
The astounding move is an attack on the special status of the state which will have far-reaching implications.
It is a serious issue and we must oppose it as it is dangerous for future of the state.
The Supreme Court has implied on April 28 that all medical exams should be conducted through NEET.
This has created confusion and fear in the minds of students who are in a fix.
With single stroke of the pen, years of students’ hard work and aspirations have gone down the drain.
The entire students’ community was looking up to judiciary as the last beacon of hope-but the hapless students have been let down.
They were preparing for state level exam and all of a sudden are asked to appear in an altogether different exam with different syllabus and pattern.
It is an unfair competition since the NEET is in accordance with the CBSE syllabus and our students will be at a disadvantage. (KNS)