Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Sep 4: Amid flood-like conditions in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have announced that the Jammu and Kashmir State Eligibility Test (JKSET) will be conducted as per schedule on September 7.
The official notification issued by the University of Jammu has urged candidates not to pay heed to rumors and rely only on official communications.
The notification further stated that the examination centres earlier allotted at the Old Campus, University of Jammu, has now been shifted to Mahant Bachittar Singh College of Engineering & Technology, Babiliana, Jeevan Nagar, Jammu.
Accordingly, all previously issued admit cards stand cancelled and candidates will be required to download fresh admit cards for entry at the centre.
However, this decision has disappointed the aspirants, especially the ones from flood-hit areas of Kashmir.
“Many villages in Kashmir are submerged and bridges have been washed away. In such conditions, how are we supposed to reach for the exam?” asked Shabir Ahmad, an aspirant from Pulwama.
Another candidate, Ruqaya Jan from Anantnag, said, “We have been preparing for months, but right now our families are struggling to save homes and belongings from floods. Authorities should have postponed the exam.”
Students fear that large numbers of candidates may miss the crucial exam due to the situation. Adil Bashir from Baramulla noted, “Even if some of us manage to reach the centres, the journey itself is risky. Roads are closed and there is no clarity about safe travel routes.”
Candidates have sought the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging them to either get the exam postponed or provide safe transport and accommodation facilities to aspirants coming from affected areas.
“We don’t want our careers to suffer. The authorities must show sensitivity towards the ground situation,” said Nusrat Ara, a candidate from Shopian.
Aspirants have also written to the authorities, highlighting their hardships.
“Continuous heavy rainfall, floods, and prolonged electricity outages have made it nearly impossible for us to prepare or even travel safely. Despite such severe conditions, Jammu University is still conducting the JKSET exam on 7th September without considering the hardships of students,” reads one such letter.
“Earlier, the University postponed the exam multiple times without any major issue, but now, when the situation is truly critical and life-threatening, they are forcing students to appear. This is highly unfair and insensitive,” it reads further.
“We humbly request everyone to appeal to Jammu University to postpone the exam in view of the present natural calamity, so that students are not compelled to risk their lives for appearing in the exam,” it states further.
