Centre quiet on absence of NEET centers in Kashmir

Srinagar: "While a majority of aspirants for MD/MS are from Kashmir, it is shocking that the government has failed to get a centre for the Valley," was the issue raised by medical aspirants in Kashmir who are demanding a NEET centre in the area

Greater Kashmir reports that two new examination centres' allocated for the J&K division for NEET PG 2018 have been allocated to Jammu, and none have gone the Kashmir way. Despite the fact that exam center numbers have increased in 4 states, candidates in Kashmir continue to face difficulties in finding a place in the close by centers, having been filled to capacity.

This is the second year going for Kashmir for not having a NEET Exam center allocation from the authorities for its MD/MS aspirants. The state government has failed to ensure a NEET centre for Kashmir despite all assurances.

Meanwhile, a new center has been allotted to Jammu, this year, another has been set up in Samba district of Jammu; leaving thousands of medical students from Kashmir with no other option but to travel to other centers.

The deletion of Kashmir from the list of 129 places allocated for conduction of the NEET-PG and diploma course entrants has now led to hurt and anger among Kashmiri entrants.

"While a majority of aspirants for MD/MS are from Kashmir, it is shocking that the government has failed to get a centre for the Valley," a delegation of would be applicants told Greater Kashmir.

On 1 November 2017, a day after the NBE notification was issued stating that seats in states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh would be increased; candidates allege the J & K government has continued to maintain a studied silence.

"When mid-way through the application process, centers could be increased for these states, our case could also be taken up and thousands of candidates relieved of the misery they are enduring," said a candidate. He added that despite successive pleas in writing to the JK Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) and NBE, aspirants have yet to be granted relief.

"Isn't it state government's responsibility to ensure that candidates from Kashmir are able to appear in exam and save their careers?" said an aspirant.

To add fuel to fire, applicants filling forms for NEET PG 2017, to their dismay have discovered that there are no vacancies in the nearby exam centers at Jammu and other cities, as well, as these centers have already been applied for.

A delegation of candidates revealed that no seat for appearing in MD/MS NEET 2017 was available in Jammu, Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh and other cities, in nearby states.

"Now, many of us will need to travel to far off states and bear huge expenses of boarding and lodging. Why this injustice to us," said a female aspirant. Another member of the delegation said, "Kashmir has a population of over 72 lakh while the population of Jammu is only around 50 lakh. If population is the criteria, we at least deserve one centre."

Chairman, BOPEE, Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, said an exam center at Kashmir was "much needed". "We have taken up the matter with the chief secretary, and secretary, health and medical education. I am sure they must be putting in their best efforts to resolve the crisis," he said. He also stated that BOPEE had already communicated the problem to the NBA and were awaiting a response.