J&K Students Union protests against online examinations

Dehradun: Students of Jamia Milia University are protesting against the move to conduct online examinations, as per the order from the Vice Chancellor of Jamia Milia and Union Education Minister. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association in Dehradun wrote to Jamia Milia Vice Chancellor Najma Akhthar and Union Education Minister Pokhriyal, expressing their concerns over the decision.

Nasir Kuhemi, the spokesperson for Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, condemned the "one-sided decision" that he alleges was made without consulting students and students organizations for talks.

"If online proctored examinations are conducted it would side-line and leave out students from backward sections who can't afford to buy gadgets," Kuhemi said. "This new diktat makes education a privilege in place of right which will cause depression among students"

He also stated that it was an unethical stand to proceed with online proctored exams while most of the students from remote villages had no access to proper networks, and wouldn't be able to attend the online exams. These students would be exposed to stress and anxiety.

The ongoing irregularity of 4G network in Kashmir coupled with heavy snowfall have affected the lives of those in the Valley. Most students from the Valley are not even able to take up online classes since they began.

"Most of the students are from middle and lower middle class and have no source of income. With the Internet services banned, education sector is the worst victim in the valley and students have no resources to attend online exams in such circumstances," said Nasir Kuhemi.