Students of the second and third year of Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology called the decision of the university to conduct their exams “ahead of the scheduled time” as discriminatory.
Speaking to The Kashmiriyat, a group of students said that the university plans to conduct their examination much ahead of the scheduled time as per the annual calendar year 2022.
“They are taking the exams only to reduce the burden off their shoulders without looking into the interests of the students. The university authorities are completely ignoring the fact of increasing Covid cases in the valley,” the students said.
Another student said that several students in the university are non-residents. The non-resident students have to come from outside Kashmir and there is a higher risk of them being infected with Covid 19. “SKUAST-K is taking the examination much earlier than every year,” he said, adding, “If the exams are undeferrable, then they should be taken in the online mode in order to save the lives of students.”
“We were informed about the examination today (Wednesday). According to the date sheet our examination would begin from 14/01/2022. We merely have one day to prepare,” the students said, calling the decision unjust.
Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K upon being contacted by The Kashmiriyat said that we want to finish the exams as early as possible. “The Covid situation is showing a huge spike and we cannot risk the time of our students. Their time is very precious, we understand that and they also should.”
He said that before the exams the students will be tested for Covid 19 and if any student tests positive, they will be quarantined. “We will take care of proper physical distancing norms and ensure the safety of the students and the staff,” he said.