Politically incorrect
The move by the University Grants Commission (UGC) warning students against taking admission in unapproved institutions in Pakistan administered Jammu and Kashmir (PAJK) reflects highest degree on immaturity on the part of the central government.
The UGS has issued an order asking students from Jammu and Kashmir to stay away from institutions operating from Pakistan administered Jammu and Kashmir. The UGC’s reason is that Pak is an integral part of India, therefore, the educational institutions including universities, medical colleges, technical institutions situated in PaJK are neither established by the Indian government nor recognised by statutory authorities including UGC, AICTE and Medical Council of India.
The students were therefore cautioned and advised against taking admission in college, university or technical institution in any territory under illegal occupation of Pakistan, including the so called AJK (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) and Gilgit Baltistan which are currently not recognized in India.
Students from Jammu and Kashmir taking admissions in various Pak universities is not a new phenomenon. This has been going on since decades and many students who could not avail their admissions in various other regions for want of financial and other resources were provided education in these institutions.
Passing such a direction not only limits the options of these students but also negates the basic principle of SAARC cooperation, where both India and Pakistan are signatories.
India is part of SAARC group and all educational institutes in all the countries are treated at par. Students from all SAARC countries are allowed to take their decisions to join any of the institutions functioning in any of the country and this process not only gives students a wide and better choice but also helps them to mingle with culturally diverse groups.
This intermingling of students helps them to become more conscious citizens and promotes various other faculties among the students community.
The move to restrict students from JK and other regions to opt out from institutions in PaK will impact education of hundreds of students. The move will also have serious ramification in the larger run. The SAARC group and all associated agreements have been honoured through many decades and hostile conditions including war and suddenly barring PaK educational institutes in PaK is beyond anybody’s comprehension.
We are still living in a region that is far from being called a developed region. Our educational needs are far greater than the infrastructure and avenues that are available for our children. In such a scenario limiting the avenues of the children is tantamount to hampering their basic rights. The basic right to seek education and learning.
Education across regions needs to be made apolitical. For this the countries that are even having hostile relations with each other should learn to respect the needs of their posterity. The government should learn not to force political decisions on the student’s community as their growth and well being is far more important than anything else.
Besides, such direction will mar the career of hundreds of students who have already passed out or are studying in such institutions.
KV Network
