The decision of Jamia Milia Islamia University to conduct exams in proctored online mode has baffled Kashmiri students who are studying in the said university.
Kashmir News Trust received dozens of phone calls in this regard. Students said the decision of the University will ruin their career. They said it won’t be possible for poor students to buy a lap top and in absence of high speed internet it is dead impossible for Kashmiri students to compete in University examination.
“For proctored online examination, a student needs a lap top with web cam, high speed internet service and uninterrupted electricity. There is ban of 4G here in Kashmir and one can’t expect even uninterrupted electricity in Valley. Besides, poor students can’t afford a lap top with web cam,” said a student.
“Jamia Milia decides to conduct exams on 21st December 2020 through online proctored mode. Around 700 students from J&K are facing imminent threat of being disqualified given the exam needs uninterrupted high speed internet & power supply for 3 hours which in J&K is a distant dream. Grave injustice with the students who face internet suspension every now and then due to security operations & DDC elections,” tweeted PDP youth leader Mohit Bhan.
Former Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti appealed authorities to look for other alternatives. She in a tweet wrote: “Jamia University’s decision to hold exams in proctored online mode which requires laptops & high speed data for 3 hours is deeply problematic for students hailing from J&K. Request them to look for alternatives so that these bright minds don’t suffer.” She sought intervention of Dr RP Nishank to ensure these students don’t become casualties for no fault theirs.
Dean Students Welfare Jamia Milia Islamia declined to comment on the issue.
Despite repeated attempts Vice Chancellor Prof Najma Akhtar didn’t respond to phone calls, however, an official from the office of the Registrar, Jamia Milia Islamia, Dr. Nazim Husain Al-Jafri told KNT over phone that a meeting in this regard will be held shortly and a decision will be taken in the interest of students. (KNT)
