by Sheikh Mustafa
SRINAGAR: The paramedical students of University of Kashmir (KU) are demanding online examination owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
A group of paramedical students said that they are not able to find accommodation in Srinagar as most of the hostels and rooms for rent aren’t leasing out due Covid-19.
“Academic interest of a few students, as claimed Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar cannot outweigh the right to health of a larger section of students who are from far-flung areas of the Valley. These students don’t have a place to stay in Srinagar,” the students said.
They said they are also demanding online exams because some of the students among them have tested positive for the novel virus.
“As per the Indian Medical Council guidelines, our examination must have been concluded by September through alternative methods like internal assessment which hasn’t be followed,” the students said, adding that they might end up being in the first year even after three years of their programme have ended.
They said throughout the world students have appeared in exams via online mode.
“We are demanding the same as it is already very late for us to appear in the offline exams. Our future is at stake,” they said.
The students have been opposing the varsity’s decision to hold the exams in offline mode, alleging that it is a “violation” of the fundamental right of equality of those students who won’t be able to appear in these examinations due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The students alleged that the University of Kashmir’s (KU) management failed to hold their exams when COVID-19 cases were less in number.
“Now, when the cases are rising, the varsity is planning to hold our exams in offline mode. We urge the authorities to look into the matter,” the students said.
The Controller Examination KU, Dr Mohammad Yousuf Bhat said, “Students have to sit in the offline examination because we have a fallow the UGC guidelines. This is a medical course and there will be no compromise. These students have to deal in hospitals with the lives of common people under such outbreaks.”
“There is no problem with the availability of accommodation in Srinagar. Everybody can manage a place to stay for the examinations,” the Controller Examinations said.
