National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Sunday hailed the decision of the government led by Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah to abolish the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) requirement for students seeking admission after passing Class 12 examinations, terming it a major relief for the young students of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued here, Sadhotra said the decision would particularly benefit students from poor and marginalized sections who often faced serious financial and logistical challenges in appearing for the test outside Jammu and Kashmir. He said many students were compelled to travel to distant centres, incurring heavy expenses that placed an additional burden on their families. Abolition of CUET has given sense of relief and jubilation among poor parents and their children (students).
He said that in several cases, students had to abandon their plans of appearing in the entrance test due to economic constraints, resulting in their dreams of pursuing higher education being disrupted. This decision removes a significant barrier and opens new avenues for thousands of deserving students who aspire to continue their academic journey, he said.
Sadhotra gave lauded and commended the Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah and Minister for Education Mrs Sakina Itoo for the landmark, student-friendly decision. He said the move reflects the government’s sensitivity towards the genuine concerns of students and its commitment to ensuring equitable access to education for all especially poor, female and those hailing from remote areas.
Highlighting the broader philosophy of the National Conference, Sadhotra said universalization of education has always remained at the core of the party’s agenda. He said the National Conference has consistently worked towards ensuring doorstep access to education for all, irrespective of region or sub-region, and has taken concrete measures over the years to expand educational infrastructure and opportunities.
He said the party’s policies have been guided by the principle that education is a powerful tool for social transformation and empowerment. Ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education is essential for building an equitable and progressive society, he added.
Sadhotra also highlighted the significant strides made in improving literacy rates in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among women, under various initiatives spearheaded during National Conference governments. He described the progress as both exemplary and encouraging, saying that it has contributed to greater social awareness and participation.
Sadhotra expressed confidence that this decision would further strengthen the education sector and encourage more students to pursue higher studies without facing undue hurdles. Such measures not only empower individuals but also lay the foundation for long-term development and prosperity of the region, he said.
Reiterating the party’s commitment to student welfare, Sadhotra said the National Conference will continue to advocate policies that promote inclusivity, accessibility and excellence in education across Jammu and Kashmir. “It is because of the visionary leadership, ever since the governments headed by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Jenab Omar Abdullah, the education sector has received impetus”, he said adding that Jammu and Kashmir has distinction of being the only part of the country having free education.