Kashmir : In a breather to ITI engineering diploma holders, the Education Minister Syed Altaf Bukhari, on Wednesday urged the Government of India, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Chairman to enable lateral entry of the students for their admission to B Tech course under Prime Ministers Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS).
Speaking at the one day workshop on PMSSS organized by Higher Education Department (HED) the Minister called for simplification of eligibility criteria for availing scholarships under the scheme and raising the present income slab of Rs 6 lakhs per anum.
The concern expressed by the minister has raised many hopes among the ITI engineering diploma holders who earlier were not treated as eligible entrants for their lateral entry to B Tech courses under the scheme.
“I will explore all avenues to help out needy students from primary to university level so that financial constraints do not stop brilliant boys and girls from attaining regular education anywhere in the country,” the minister said.
The minister later talking to media person said the department canceled exams in Soibugh and Wadwan post reports of mass copying and said appropriate action would be taken in this regard. “It was a minor incident in some particular area but we took strong notice of it and canceled the paper. Further action will also follow in it,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the minister stated that the teacher must focus on overall personality development of the students besides catering to their academic needs.
“I have confidence on the ability and academic excellence of the teachers’ community in the State. I am hopeful that teachers and students shall be helping him in devising a vision for JK Education,” Altaf Bukhari said.
The minister said the decision making won’t be one-way traffic and the teaching community would be a part of this process. “It shall never be one-way traffic or as per my personal whims and likings. I shall be looking forward to receive my teachers and students anywhere and anytime,” he said.
The education minister also applauded the students and teachers for bringing laurels to the state “amid all odds” and said the student community should make use of optimum benefits under the PMSSS. “I will remove all the hurdles being faced by the educational institutions in their efficient functioning and make education a meaningful national investment,” Bukhari said.
Stating that responsibilities entrusted on him were “tough” the minister expressed hope to receive positive inputs for the progress of the educational system in the state.
“I will be always receptive and available for your inputs and suggestions,” education minister said.
The Minister of State for Education, Priya Sethi in her address called for cooperation and hard work from all stakeholders to achieve the objective of placing JK students in prestigious colleges of the country “keeping the subject choice of the student in consideration.”
Chairman AICTE, Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe while speaking on the occasion stated that the education of the state was progressing, despite limitations.
“Students have made a mark even in CMAT and GPAT examinations as well,” he said.
Briefing about the nature of the PM’s scholarship AICTE Chairman announced supernumerary seats from the current session for various courses “which are more in demand.”
He also deliberated on the changed nature of the fund transfer from AICTE making the scheme hassle free for the students as well as the institutions opted by the students. Earlier, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education presented his welcome address on the occasion.
Others who attended the workshop include, Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of the state, Director Colleges, Director School Education-Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, representatives of UGC, Indian Nursing Council, experts from AICTE, Principals of degree colleges and higher secondary schools of Kashmir division.
Note: News shared for public awareness with reference from the information provided at online news portals.
