In a bizarre move, authorities at Kashmir University are mulling to conduct online examinations despite frequent suspension of internet services in the valley.
Vice Chancellor Kashmir University Professor Talat Ahmad recently held a meeting with top officials including Deans of the varsity.
A source privy to the meeting said that some Deans opposed over holding of online examinations.
“Deans told him it is not possible to hold online examinations as there is frequent internet suspension. Internet is being suspended for days when any encounter takes place,” the official said.
The official said Vice-Chancellor Professor Talat Ahmad was pushing hard to conduct online examinations.
A phone conversation apparently between a student of Law Department and Professor Talat Ahmad has also gone viral where Vice Chancellor is saying some Deans were opposing holding of online examinations.
“Sir our careers are at stake. We have taken admissions for three year course in Law Department in 2016. Still we are yet to complete our degrees,” the student telling the Vice-Chancellor.
In reply the Vice Chancellor says, “I am also for the online examinations. But some Deans are opposing it. I am working on it so that examinations are held online at the earliest. I suggest you (students) to meet Deans and tell them to hold online examinations.”
Last month, University Grants Commission (UGC) had suggested varsities either to conduct online exams or wait for the lockdown to get over for pen-and-paper examinations.
A senior professor of the Kashmir University said more than 60 percent students have no access to android phones, laptops and notebooks.
“We have conducted internal assessments in various departments and found that less than 40 percent students have android phones and laptops at home. Then there are students from far-flung areas like Tangdhar, Keran, Gurez Machil where there is no internet availability,” the professor said.