Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 26: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) raised apprehensions today regarding the reported “relocation” of all National Testing Agency (NTA) examination centres from Kashmir, suspecting a concealed agenda aimed at creating a crisis during the 2024 exams.
In a statement issued by PSAJK, the association expressed dismay over the mysterious decision by NTA to move all examination centres out of Kashmir, viewing it as a “deeply troubling” development that could adversely affect the prospects of Kashmiri students.
The spokesperson for PSAJK referred to the significant crisis of the previous year when numerous Kashmiri students were assigned examination centres outside of Jammu and Kashmir for their CUET exams.
They stated, “This situation compelled many underprivileged students to refrain from participating in these exams, leading to a severe predicament. It required appeals from members of civil society, political leaders, and other representatives to implore the government to establish examination centres within Kashmir.”
PSAJK noted that it was widely expected that the government had learned from this crisis and would establish permanent centres in Kashmir. “However, the recent removal of even temporary centres has created unease among students and their parents.”
The Association warned that if no permanent examination centres are established in Kashmir by next year, NTA may once again claim a lack of centres in Kashmir, forcing Kashmiri students to travel to distant states for exams.
They emphasized, “This situation would disproportionately affect disadvantaged students and those who have never ventured beyond the valley.”
Expressing concern over the silence of concerned authorities, PSAJK remarked, “If a crisis arises next year, these officials will bear full responsibility.”
PSAJK has called upon Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take notice of the situation and prevent the relocation of NTA centres from Kashmir.
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