The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The University of Kashmir and Central University of Kashmir on Wednesday postponed all exams that were scheduled to be held on March 7.

According to the news agency KNO, Assistant Controller of Examinations of KU said that all the examinations of the university which are scheduled to be held on March 7, 2024 stand postponed. It said that the fresh dates shall be issued soon.

Meanwhile, CUK in a communique said, “The examinations scheduled for March 7, 2024 postponed. The date for the examinations shall be notified separately.”

SRINAGAR — Both the University of Kashmir (KU) and the J&K Board of Technical Education (JKBOTE) have announced the postponement of examinations scheduled for February 19 and 20, citing adverse weather conditions.

Kashmir University, in a notice issued on Monday, declared the postponement of all exams slated for February 19 and 20, 2024. The decision was made in light of prevailing weather conditions in the region. The university assured students that fresh dates for the rescheduled examinations would be communicated separately.

Similarly, the J&K Board of Technical Education has postponed its exams originally scheduled for February 20. In a notice, the board announced that the revised date for the examinations will be February 23, 2024.

The notice addressed to all Principals of Polytechnics in Jammu and Kashmir divisions, along with concerned students, stated that the postponement was due to unavoidable circumstances. The venue and timing of the rescheduled examinations remain unchanged, with exams set to commence at 10:30 AM.

SRINAGAR — Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, made significant appointments on Monday, reinforcing the administrative landscape of the University of Kashmir.

Dr Naseer Iqbal has been appointed as the new registrar, while Dr Fayaz Ahmad Loan assumes the role of Librarian at the Allama Iqbal Library.

Additionally, Dr Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad has been designated as the director of the North Campus, and Dr Mandeep Singh is appointed as the director of Physical Education.

The appointments, based on the recommendations of the selection committee for various positions at the University of Kashmir on a tenure basis, were confirmed by an official from the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat.

The official statement emphasized that the appointments are subject to satisfactory vigilance clearance.

SRINAGAR — The University of Kashmir has announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024.

In an official order, the University stated that all the examinations of the University of Kashmir scheduled for January 22, 2024 are postponed. Fresh dates for the conduct of postponed papers will be notified separately by the varsity.

The decision comes as part of the university's effort to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and ensure the smooth conduct of examinations.

Students are advised to stay updated with the university's announcements for the rescheduled dates.

SRINAGAR — The University of Kashmir (KU) is yet to get a new Registrar even after the holding of interviews of candidates for the vacant post in November 2023.

After dragging feet for nearly two years to fill up the vacant post of Registrar despite massive resentment, the KU authorities finally decided to interview to appoint the new Registrar in November 2023.

The post of Registrar, after much delay, was formally advertised in January 2023 and an interview for shortlisted candidates was held in November 2023.

The interview of candidates was held in November 2023 and the recommendations were sent to the government. “The recommendations have been sent to Raj Bhavan in a sealed cover,” said an official privy to the development.

Already, the Islamic University of Science and Technology has expedited the process to fill up the post of Registrar, even though KU has dragged its feet on the issue for nearly two years, leading to allegations of favouritism and political pressure to continue with the in-charge arrangement.

SRINAGAR — In a much-anticipated move, the University of Kashmir (KU) on Saturday declared the results for various undergraduate semesters, providing a sigh of relief for students eagerly awaiting their academic fates. The results declared by the University encompass examinations conducted for the BG 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th semesters, bringing closure to the suspense that had loomed over the candidates.

Students from the batch of 2015 who had pending backlogs were eagerly anticipating these results. The breakdown of the outcomes for each semester is as follows:

BG 1st Semester: The university has unveiled the results for the backlog examinations of the BG 1st semester for candidates from the 2015 batch who participated in the August-September 2023 session.

BG 2nd Semester: Candidates belonging to the 2015 batch, who took part in the 2nd semester backlog examinations in August 2023, can now access their results.

BG 3rd Semester: Results for the 3rd semester backlog examinations, held in August 2023 for students of the 2015 batch, are now accessible.

BG 4th Semester: Kashmir University has made public the results for the backlog examinations of the 4th semester conducted in August 2023 for candidates from the 2015 batch.

BG 5th Semester: Students who undertook the backlog examinations for the 5th semester in August 2023 from the 2015 batch can also check their results.

To provide easy access to the results, the university has made the same accessible online. Candidates can view their scorecards by visiting the official Result Portal of Kashmir University website.

SRINAGAR — Kashmir University has formally declared a winter break for both its main campus and satellite campuses, slated to commence from January 1, 2024, extending until February 25, 2024.

In an official notification, the university authorities specified, "The Teaching Departments of the University and its Satellite Campuses shall observe winter vacations from 1st January, 2024 to 25th February, 2024."

The directive clarified that Departmental Offices would maintain regular functioning during this period. Heads and Directors of the Departments and Campuses are directed to ensure the completion of examinations and other planned activities according to the pre-set schedule.

To manage any pending curriculum, the notification outlined provisions for "remedial classes (offline or online mode)" during the winter break.

"The Head of the Department's/Directors of the Campus should ensure resumption of class work and other academic activities immediately after the vacations," the notification emphasized.

The announcement aims to regulate the academic calendar and facilitate the completion of academic requirements during the stipulated break, ensuring a seamless transition back to regular academic functions thereafter.

SRINAGAR — The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has terminated Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University of Kashmir, Faheem Aslam; Revenue Department officer, Murawath Hussain Mir and Police Constable Arshid Ahmad Thoker from the service for "actively working with Pakistani terror outfits, providing logistics to terrorists, propagating terrorist ideology, raising terror finances and furthering secessionist agenda."

The government has invoked 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution of India to sack the three government employees after a "painstaking investigation clearly established that they were acting on behalf of Pakistan ISI and the terror outfits."

Faheem Aslam (PRO - University of Kashmir)

A top official in the government told the Srinagar-based news agency KDC, "Faheem Aslam is a diehard secessionist who not only subscribes to and endorses the secessionist ideology, but has been a key propagandist for terrorists and terror outfits in Kashmir Valley."

According to sources privy to the investigation, "Faheem Aslam was planted in Kashmir University in August 2008 by a terror-separatist's kingpin as a contractual employee and subsequently, he was confirmed. He was designated as a media reporter by the university to keep the secessionist-terrorist campaign alive because the university campus was known as one of the epicentres of secessionist activism and an important breeding ground for terrorism as well."

"Further investigation will be launched to nab the kingpin of the terror-separatists syndicate, who is said to have operated as a close aide of terrorist Shabir Shah before venturing into a legitimate business with seed money received from Pakistan ISI," the official said while quoting sources. He claimed that Faheem’s appointment was done without any public advertisement, interview and police verification.

“In complete violation of the constitutional requirement of affording equal opportunity to all similarly placed persons for a position funded by the public exchequer, he was issued with an appointment letter without holding any interview or any competition or police/CID verification. Simply put, he was clandestinely allowed to enter into public employment through a backdoor,” sources said.

The report of news agency KDC further said that Faheem Aslam had come to be a publicly known 'secessionist-terrorist campaigner' who by virtue of his write-ups in Greater Kashmir and social media posts made it abundantly clear that his loyalty lies with Pakistan. He had deleted several posts, which campaigned for the secession of J&K and its merger with Pakistan, after the abrogation of Article 370. These posts have been retrieved during the course of the investigation. These posts depict beyond doubt that he is a "hardcore Pak Embedded High-Value Asset (PEHVA) of terror outfits, responsible for promoting and glamorising terrorism."

In one of his posts on Facebook, Faheem Aslam writes on May 23, 2020 which is quoted as under: “Nothing can ever change one reality; Kashmir will always observe Eid with Pakistan, ALWAYS! That’s for Pakistan, not Kashmiris. We will go with Pakistan. Let Pakistan decide who they want to go with: Choudhary sb or Mufti sb”.

In another social media post, Faheem Aslam writes; “May Allah [SWT] ease the sufferings of Muslims across the globe, especially in Palestine, Kashmir and Pakistan. May the occupation end and occupiers burn in hell. May Allah accept the sacrifices of martyrs, and may Gaza and Kashmir see the dawn of freedom soon. [Ameen]”.

Faheem Aslam also mentioned security forces as "Indian Occupational Forces”. On August 4, 2015, he posted the following on social media: “Epitaph on the grave of my cousin from Islamabad (read Anantnag) who was martyred by Indian occupational forces on 27 October 1990. He was 20 years then. Please read the lines once and pray for his soul. May his soul rest in peace. Ameen!!!"

Despite the fact that Faheem Aslam has deleted several of his social media posts which were in the hundreds wherein he propagated and promoted 'terrorism', it still is common knowledge in Kashmir valley that he has been the biggest 'narrative terrorist' especially in between 2008-2018.

According to sources, while drawing a salary from the state exchequer, Faheem Aslam was simultaneously taking a salary from Greater Kashmir newspaper since 2008. As per inputs, he was given a salary in cash to hide his wrongdoings as a public servant. He had taken no permission from the university to work with Greater Kashmir.

Available records suggest that he had been a permanent staffer of Greater Kashmir newspaper, filing reports and functioning as a full-time sub-editor. This fact is also common knowledge of everyone associated with the press in Kashmir.

Sources said as a reporter and sub-editor in Greater Kashmir and simultaneously being employed at Kashmir University, the entire reportage of Faheem Aslam clearly establishes his secessionist credentials. According to sources, NIA is already investigating the terror and ISI link of Greater Kashmir newspaper and its associated business interests.

“It is open knowledge that appointment and positioning of such brazen advocates of the cause of terrorism-secessionism in J&K were made possible only with the combined efforts of the terror syndicate which over a period of time had come to help each other to entrench themselves in Kashmir University. The fact is Faheem Aslam being implicitly allowed to simultaneously work in Greater Kashmir newspaper by the University administration is itself strong evidence of the clout he enjoyed,” sources said.

According to investigators, Faheem Aslam has remained affiliated with the Yasin Malik-led JKLF. "He would be often seen in the company of such elements inside the campus as well as outside the campus. He also virtually acted as Syed Ali Shah Geelani's PRO while working in Greater Kashmir and the University of Kashmir."

"Faheem Aslam has played a huge role as an activist, secessionist-narrative peddler and organiser in violent agitations of 2008, 2010 and 2016. He has been at the forefront of these agitations in planning and organising demonstrations, especially in the Kashmir University campus. He would often figure in newspaper photographs and other audio-visual media bytes, which stand deleted from the internet as of date. He is still influencing young boys and girls towards secessionism who study or seek admission to Kashmir University," they added.

“The likes of Faheem Aslam being placed by the adversary of the Indian state in the seat of highest learning is causing the spread of the toxic influence of terror ideology in young minds with consequences that are highly detrimental for national security as well as the youngsters,” sources said.

Arshid Ahmad Thoker (Police Constable)

Arshid Ahmad Thoker was recruited as a constable in Jammu and Kashmir Police, first in Armed Police in 2006 and later in Executive Police in 2009. After completing his Basic Recruitment Training Course (BRTC) at Lethpora police training centre, he ‘managed’ his transfer to District Srinagar and remained mostly attached as PSO/Driver with different police/civil officers and protectees.

"Arshid came in contact with a hardcore Over Ground Worker (OGW) of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie, aka RK, son of Mohammad Kamal Ganie, resident of Sheikhpora Wathoora, Budgam. Mushtaq introduced Arshid to JeM network and thus he became an indispensable conduit and logistic supporter for this dreaded terrorist outfit in Budgam and Pulwama, especially in the Chadoora-Kakapora axis," the sources added.

“By his association with the JeM network, Arshid’s belief in terror ideology got further strengthened. He became more emboldened to take risks to support terrorism, without caring for adverse impact on his police duties. Instead, he took full advantage of his police identity to escape police and security forces' Naka points. He had absolute clarity about his twin goals. Firstly, financing terrorism to which he was ideologically committed. Secondly, to earn illegal money through narcotic trade, to satisfy his greed,” sources said.

As per the sources, "On 31-05-2020, subsequent to specific information received by Police Station Chadoora about the suspicious movement of terrorists and their associates in the area of Wathoora and Dooniwara, a joint Naka of Police/CRPF/Army was established near Dooniwari Bridge. During checking, he was arrested along with terror associates Mudasir Fayaz Mir son of Fayaz Ahmad Mir, resident of Tanghar Kralpora; Danish Ahmad Sheikh son of Feroz Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Gopalpora Chadoora; Shabir Ahmad Ganie son of Mohammad Maqbool Ganie, resident of Sheikhpora Wathoora; Mohammad Issaq Bhat son of Bashir Ahmad Bhat, resident of Narvaw Sadipora Shopian and Sageer Ahmad Poswal son of Nazir Ahmad Poswal, resident of Amrohi Karnah."

"The recoveries made from the possession of Arshid and others included a Chinese pistol with pistol magazine, four pistol rounds, a hand grenade, Indian currency of Rs 1,55,000 and a kilogram of Heroine," sources added.

“Further involvement of Arshid surfaced on 24-06-2022, when two persons namely Younis Manzoor Waza son of Manzoor Ahmad Waza, resident of Wathoora Chadoora, Budgam and Mehboob Ahmad Sheikh son of Mohammad Ramzan Sheikh, resident of Bonhar Wathoora, Budgam were arrested by Police along with two vehicles. The arrestees disclosed that these vehicles have been purchased from the proceeds of narcotics provided by Arshid. They also disclosed that they were on their way to give delivery of these two vehicles to terrorists for some terror activity which they were not aware of,” sources said.

According to investigators, Arshid evolved to be a highly effective OGW on account of being a policeman, as he took undue and criminal advantage of his uniform and his credentials.

“He would always go unnoticed at police/army Naka points by displaying his police identity card which would save him from any search including of those riding with him on a motorcycle or in any other vehicle. The narco-terror activities of Arshid remained undetected over the years because of being a member of the police force. Instead of helping the department in fighting terror which he was mandated for, he chose to be a mole and a collaborator and betrayed his oath and uniform. Arshid’s disloyalty towards the nation and department by becoming an accomplice and OGW of JeM terror outfit has wreaked colossal damage on to the department, society and the state,” the investigation report said to have stated.

Murawath Hussain Mir (Revenue Officer)

Murawath Hussain Mir was appointed as a Junior Assistant in 1985 in Revenue Department. "He got thickly involved in terrorism as soon as Pakistan-sponsored terrorist and secessionist campaign commenced in J&K in 1990. Not only he became ideologically a hardcore proponent of secessionist mythos, but he was also a point man for several proscribed terror outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and J&K Liberation Front (JKLF), allowing them free access to interfere in the affairs of Tehsil office of Pampore."

Sources said Murawath was a "conduit for terrorists to extort monthly donations from fellow employees."

“As it is a known fact that terrorist outfits in the early 1990s would collect monthly funds from government employees on their salary day, the deductions came to be sort of institutionalized wherein cashiers and accountants of almost all departments of the government routinely did this. He would be the main facilitator for such extortions in Tehsil offices of Pampore and Tral,” sources said.

Sources further added, “Eventually, he evolved as one of the most important and trustworthy over-ground workers (OGW) for both HM and JKLF, getting baptised in active terrorism, with total commitment. He abundantly misused his position in the government and his close proximity with magistracy. While arranging logistics for terrorists and transporting weapons/ammunition, Murawath Hussain would navigate police/SF checkpoints by virtue of his identity as a member of the local magisterial setup.”

"The investigation has revealed that in October 1995, he was arrested by security forces in Rajbagh, Srinagar along with four other terrorists of HM and JKLF. Interrogation had then revealed that they were planning to blow up a vital installation in Srinagar city for which they had arranged a substantial quantity of explosives/bombs which were later recovered from their possession," sources disclosed.

Sources observed, “Murawath was behind bars for only eight months before getting released and managing re-entry in the government. That all checks and balances of the system so far has failed to even initiate a modicum of accountability of the misdeeds of Murawath Hussain despite a lapse of 28 years is evidence of near state capture by the adversary.”

Subsequently, Murawath Hussain Mir for his deep connections with the 'secessionist-terrorist ecosystem' and being an active member of such a system, obtained the admission of his son Haris Murawath in MBBS in Pakistan "with the blessings of United Jehad Council and its proxies in Kashmir."

“In 2007, Murawath Hussain founded the Falah-e-Behbood committee in Pampore town and became its founding president and continues to be so till date. Intelligence inputs suggest that this committee has played an important role during public unrests of 2008, 2010, 2016,” sources added.

52 officers sacked so far over links with militancy

With the latest three termination orders, the count has climbed to 52 officers who have been sacked for their link with 'terror' outfits. Recently, Manoj Sinha terminated two doctors, Dr Nighat Shaheen Chilloo and Dr Bilal Ahmad Dalal.

In August last year, Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha sacked Ms Assabah-ul-Arjamand, a KAS officer and wife of Bitta Karate. In the same month last year, Manoj Sinha terminated the services of Syed Abdul Mueed, son of Hizbul Mujahideen founder and a most-wanted militant Syed Salah-ud-din.

Shahid Yousuf and Syed Ahmad Shakeel, the other two sons of Salah-ud-din, were terminated by the Lt Governor in July 2021.

In May 2022, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha terminated Altaf Hussain Pandit, a Professor in the Chemistry Department of Kashmir University. Anees-Ul-Islam, the grandson of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, was terminated by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha in October 2021.

SRINAGAR — Jammu & Kashmir Government on Monday sacked three more government employees including a policeman and spokesperson of Kashmir University by invoking Article 311 of the Constitution of India.

The dismissed employees were allegedly involved in 'secessionist' activities and had 'terror' links.

An official said that the Government of J&K has terminated Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University of Kashmir, Faheem Aslam; Revenue Department officer, Murawath Hussain Mir and Police Constable Arshid Ahmad Thoker from the service for "actively working with Pakistani terror outfits, providing logistics to terrorists, propagating terrorist ideology, raising terror finances and furthering secessionist agenda."

J&K administration launched a crackdown on government employees who are connected with "terrorists or propagate secessionism."

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Friday said that the government is all set to make 129 Health and Wellness centers operational by March 24.

According to the news agency KNO, Sinha said, “By next year in March, 129 Health and Wellness centers will be made operational.”

The LG also said that under the Centrally-sponsored scheme, 17 new Ayush dispensaries have been made operational and from the ongoing fiscal, 17 more dispensaries will be made functional.

Sinha said, “In five districts of Jammu and Kashmir including Kulgam, Kuthua, Kupwara, Kishtwar and Samba, we are establishing 50-bedded integrated Ayush hospitals each.”

“From 2020 after the outbreak of COVID-19, at least half of the population of Jammu and Kashmir have been given Ayush immunity booster and support medicines,” he said.

Speaking about the recent Y20 event meets at University of Kashmir, Sinha said, “After a long time or I can say that for the first time, University of Kashmir (KU) has got a chance to hold an international event in which people of Kashmir took part by leaps and bounds.”

The LG said that the Y20 was a grand success and has become the talk of the town not only in India but in other countries too. “As such it was a meeting of the tourism working group and the main event will be held in Goa,” he said.

Sinha also said, “In terms of participation, I will say that Srinagar participated most in the Y20 meet.”

He appreciated the Vice Chancellor of KU, it’s faculty and students for preparing the ground to make this grand event successful.

“Yesterday, ‘World Milk Day’ was celebrated in India. You will be happy to know that the Government of India (GoI) has decided to commence it in Srinagar,” Sinha said.

The LG informed that ministers of 16 states of India were here in Kashmir. “I believe that whenever we are holding such big events here, people feel of having more faith and trust in the government,” he said.

Speaking about the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission which was started here, Sinha said, “It is my pleasure to say that Jammu and Kashmir from antiquity has remained the center of the health sector of Ayurveda and from the ancient times, we had an Ayurvedic and Unani hospitals.”

He said that in order to strengthen the Ayurveda medicals, the Health and Medical Education department has worked hard and started Government Ayurvedic Medical College in Akhnoor and Hospital with an intake capacity of 35 seats for the learners.

“Similarly, a Government Unani Medical College and Hospital was established in Ganderbal wherein besides treating the patients, it will produce 60 doctors annually,” Sinha said.

The LG also said that the tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir has achieved milestones. “Last year, nearly 1.8 crore tourists visited Kashmir. I have already stated that during the G-20 presidency, Jammu and Kashmir is making its place in global tourism.”

SRINAGAR — Professor M Y Ganai from Kashmir University’s Department of History is the varsity’s new Dean of Social Sciences. An order to his effect was issued by the Assistant Registrar Administration (Teaching Wing) on the Directions of the Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir.

A renowned historian, Prof. Ganai has around 35 years of teaching, research, and administrative experience. Since 2018, he has held the chair of Director at the Institute of Kashmir Studies (IKS), University of Kashmir, where he launched the MA Anthropology Program. He has also served as the Head of the Department of History (2015-18).

Prof. Ganai has served as the President, Vice President and General Secretary of the Kashmir University Teachers Association (KUTA) at various periods in the past.

With a specialization in Kashmir’s regional history, Prof. Ganai, according to the Srinagar-based news agency KDC has published more than 70 papers in reputed national and international journals. He has authored a book titled Kashmir’s Struggle for Independence (1931-1938). He has also edited two volumes, Perspectives on Kashmir in 2019, and Kashmir: Past and Present in 2020. He is on the board of various journals and is the Chief Editor of the Journal of Kashmir Studies published by IKS.

Besides his academic interests, Prof Ganai is also keenly involved in development works and social service, particularly in his native area of Tailwani at Achabal, Anantnag.

“A researcher of international standing, Prof Ganai has an excellent track record in securing external research funding and has served in a number of different positions as an academician and administrator. He is also committed to providing an outstanding experience to students through effective learning environments and enabling genuine access to educational programs.

“Ganai is an enthusiastic advocate for lifting the profile of our teaching and research activities and has a clear vision for shaping a forward-looking faculty. I look forward to seeing Ganai continue to contribute to the future success of academia and the broader University,” added a professor close to him.

In acknowledging his appointment, Prof M Y Ganai said: “I am terrifically excited and honoured to have the opportunity to lead this diverse and successful faculty in a situation when massive challenges are around."

SRINAGAR — In a first-of-its-kind initiative that aims to further ease the varsity's postgraduate and undergraduate examinees in a big way, the University of Kashmir has started the process to frame new guidelines for the setting of question papers to bring about greater clarity in the content and better conceptualization of questions.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan has given her go-ahead to a proposal mooted by the Controller of Examinations to constitute a broad-based committee of academics from the main and satellite campuses to formulate a policy document on the setting of question papers for various UG and PG examinations.

The larger idea, according to officials, is to have the question papers set strictly in accordance with the syllabus and have their language and content enriched for easy comprehension by the examinees.

“Setting a question paper involves more than merely asking questions. It is important to see how rich a question paper is conceptually and whether its standard is good enough to evaluate a student holistically. Additionally, it is also about ensuring that the academic level of students is kept in mind while framing the questions,” Controller of Examinations, KU, Dr. Majid Zaman, said.

He said the committee is also mandated with framing a proper set of instructions for paper setters, including the use of proper vocabulary and punctuation marks, appropriate assembling and ordering of the questions, besides spelling out clear instructions for the examinees.

“Sometimes a comma can change the whole dynamics of a particular question. We want to ensure that students do not have to find themselves caught up in a situation where they need more clarifications regarding questions in the examination hall,” Dr. Majid said.

Added emphasis is being laid on ensuring that question papers do not encourage routine memorization by the examinees, while the special focus will be on setting question papers that facilitate an evaluator to evaluate a student on the basis of holistic and applied knowledge rather than going by a purely all-bookish approach.

The committee which held its maiden meeting on Thursday has been asked to submit its recommendations within a month’s time.

“The Honourable Vice-Chancellor was keen enough to have this reform initiated in the larger interest of the students. We are very hopeful that the committee recommendations will prove to be highly beneficial for examinees,” Dr. Majid said, adding that the process for necessary statutory amendments by the competent bodies will be initiated soon after the committee recommendations are finalized and approved.

Dr. Majid said that they are also planning to rope in academics from some GMCs as well as affiliated colleges of KU in the committee for a larger representation in the panel.

SRINAGAR — The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan on Monday chaired the Admission Advisory Committee to review the varsity’s preparedness for admissions to various PG programmes and other professional courses for the academic session 2023.

In her opening remarks, Prof Nilofer said the University’s admission process is recognized in academic and social circles as completely transparent and it is, therefore, important to maintain this benchmark through and through.

Asserting that the standard of the admission process has a direct bearing on the reputation and image of the institution, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need to make greater use of technological advancements to ease the admission process right from submission of online applications by the aspirants to declaration of the results.

After threadbare discussions on various issues, the Advisory Committee decided that the University’s Directorate of Admissions and Competitive Examinations (DACE) will invite online application forms for admission to all programmes offered through the University of Kashmir in the 3rd week of March 2023, following which the Entrance Test shall be conducted in the last week of April 2023.

For the convenience of aspirants hailing from far-off areas of Jammu and Kashmir, the Vice-Chancellor instructed that besides the main campus, the entrance examination shall be conducted at all satellite campuses of the University including South Campus (Anantnag), North Campus (Baramulla) and Kupwara Campus for the session 2023.

“Our endeavor should be to take the admission process to the doorsteps of the aspirants,” she said.

Calling for close monitoring of the Entrance Test by observers on the entrance test days, Prof Nilofer instructed that efforts should be made to ensure that the entire admission process culminates within the set timelines so that the academic session starts in time and the degrees are eventually awarded to the students in time.

The meeting was attended by the Dean of Academic Affairs, Prof F A Masoodi; Dean of College Development Council, Prof Khurshid A Butt; Registrar, Dr. Nisar A Mir; Director of Admissions, Prof Farooq A Mir; Controller of Examinations, Dr Majid Zaman; In-Charge Director IT, Dr. Maroof Qadri, besides other members of the Admission Advisory Committee.

SRINAGAR — In line with the UGC guidelines and implementation of National Education Policy 2020, the University of Kashmir (KU) will be admitting students to Undergraduate programmes in its affiliated colleges on the basis of a Common University Entrance Test (CUET) from the current academic session (2023).

After taking a review of the impending admission process through CUET, Vice-Chancellor KU Prof Nilofer Khan said the detailed admission notification for various UG programmes will be available on the Kashmir University website from March 6, 2023.

She said the CUET is being held by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to provide a single-window opportunity for students to seek admission to any of the universities across the country.

The admissions will be made on the basis of score/merit obtained in the CUET and the students desirous of seeking admission in the varsity’s affiliated colleges have been advised to register themselves with the NTA as per the instructions available on the NTA website.

Candidates having passed the qualifying examination (10+2) with required eligibility as shown against each programme are eligible to apply. Also, the candidates whose 10+2 examination is scheduled during March-April 2023 are also eligible to apply with the rider that they shall be granted admission only after acquiring the requisite eligibility.

As per the NTA notification, the CUET will be a Computer Based Test (CBT).

The last date for online submission of application forms is March 12, 2023 (till 9 PM), while the last date for successful transaction of fee through Credit/Debit/NET-Banking/UPI is also March 12, 2023 (till 11:50 PM).

The correction in particulars can be made from March 15, 2023 to March 18, 2023 (till 11:50 PM) and the announcement date for the City of Examination is April 30, 2023.

The admit cards can be downloaded from the NTA website in the second week of May 2023 and the date of examination is May 21, 2023 onwards.

SRINAGAR — School Education Department on Wednesday said that a high-level committee at the University of Kashmir has categorically resolved that degrees acquired by the candidates in Science subjects via distance mode are neither eligible for appointment as lecturers at Plus-2 level nor for admissions to M.Phill or Ph.D programmes.

Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Alok Kumar said this in reference to the petitions filed by different respondents seeking inclusion in the seniority list of the Environmental Science discipline and for promotion to the post of Lecturer of Environmental Sciences.

The news agency KNO has learnt that the department has said, “It has been found that the claim of the petitioners does not merit consideration based upon the observations and findings and as such the claim of the petitioners for their inclusion in the seniority list of Environmental Science discipline and consequent claim for promotion to the post of Lecturer Environmental Sciences is hereby rejected.”

“Environmental Sciences falls within the category of Science Stream where practical is the part of the curriculum and therefore such degrees are necessary to be obtained through regular mode only unless such courses are allowed specifically through Distance Mode by Distance Education Council (DEC) or All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE),” reads the judgement.

It also said that the issue regarding the validity of degrees acquired through distance mode was taken up with the University of Kashmir.

In reference to the referral, the Department conveyed, “The University in this regard has categorically communicated the decision regarding the distance mode degree, it is resolved by the high-level committee that candidates holding a master's degree in Science subjects awarded through the distance mode from other universities are neither eligible for appointment as lecturers in the Higher Education Department (Plus-2) level nor for admissions to the M.Phill or Ph. D programmes.”

Stating the reason why the degrees cannot be pursued, KU has said, “The laboratory component which forms an indispensable part of the curriculum and requires continuous guidance for the whole period of 4 semesters is not given its due importance in the distance mode learning.”

“Hence in light of the facts, it is clearly evident from the records and rules that the distance mode degree of PG in Ecology and Environment is neither recognized by the University nor equivalent to the corresponding PG Degree of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, Srinagar,” it reads.

SRINAGAR — University of Kashmir (KU) and Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) postponed various examinations scheduled for Saturday in view of inclement weather conditions.

“All PG, engineering and other examinations scheduled to be held on January 30, 2023 (Monday) have been postponed in view of inclement weather conditions,” Controller Examinations, KU, Dr. Majid Zaman said in a statement.

He further added that the “fresh dates for the deferred examinations will be notified separately later.”

Meanwhile, all the examinations of Cluster University Srinagar scheduled on Saturday have been postponed due to inclement weather, the varsity said in a notice.

“Fresh dates for postponed papers shall be notified separately,” Controller of Examinations, Cluster University Srinagar added.

SRINAGAR — The University of Kashmir clarified on Wednesday that due process has been followed in the evaluation of answer scripts and assured that claims of students regarding the evaluation carried out in some subjects are being addressed on merit.

Reacting to claims by some UG 6th semester students, alleging unfair evaluation in papers like Chemistry and English, the Controller of Examinations Dr. Majid Zaman said these claims will be examined under rules and addressed on merits.

“In order to fully satisfy the aggrieved examinees, we have ordered a review of the evaluation in the case of Chemistry and English subjects. Further course of action will be taken after the expert report is received,” Dr. Majid said.

"The evaluation is undertaken following due process in all respects, including the selection of subject-specific experts for evaluation," he said, adding that in case of grievances therein, the University Statutes provide for a process of re-evaluation, and seeking of Xerox copies of evaluated answer scripts, which is open for all desirous students.

About the claims by UG 3rd semester students regarding the evaluation of Urdu Literature paper, a random and specific check of evaluated answer scripts was carried out by an expert committee which has, however, recommended that there is “no need for a mass review of the said answer scripts and the concerned students, in case of any grievance, may apply for the routine process of re-evaluation if they so desire.”

"The evaluation process has been fully expedited in order to ensure the timely declaration of results and, resultantly, the timely award of degrees to the students. However, due care is being taken in the process to enable fair evaluations," the official said.

SRINAGAR — The personal data of one million students of the University of Kashmir (KU) was hacked and put on sale as the varsity has fallen victim to a cyber attack.

The alleged database of the students has been put on sale for just $250 on a hacking forum by “ViktorLustig”. The name is inspired by the infamous con artist who “sold” the Eiffel Tower, not once but twice, International Business Times reported.

The threat actor has shared a database index to show the data he has in his possession. It claims to include student information, registration number, phone number, email address, password, employee data and more.

The database is listed on Breached Forums, the famous hacking forum that gained international attention earlier this month with a data breach exposing over 1 billion Chinese residents.

Journalist Abhishek Verma received a confirmation from the admin of the forum “pompompurin”, who said the alleged database is legitimate. According to Verma, who writes for Google, Andriod and DroidMaze, the database of more than one million students has been put on sale. Verma also shared the screenshot of the hacked webpage.

“Just spotted an alleged database of “University of Kashmir” being sold on a hacking forum. Threat actor goes by the name “ViktorLustig” selling the database of @KmrUniversity for $250,” Verma tweeted. “He shared a Database index showing what he has.”

“Additionally, the admin of the forum goes by the name “pompompurin” replied and confirms that the alleged database is legitimate” the tweet mentioned.

“The thread has been deleted from hacking forum. But the profile of threat actor “VictorLustig” is still active on the forum,” the journalist shared.

Data stands unmodified at Kashmir University: Officials

Authorities at the Kashmir University say the student data has not been hacked after reports surfaced that hackers breached the secure data.

A University official, as per news agency KDC, said the alleged breach is being analyzed and as per the preliminary analysis, it has been found that the data is unmodified.

"Any breach on data read (which is already accessible in the public domain) is being analyzed in-depth and depending upon the analysis, the University will take further course of action and take an appropriate legal recourse accordingly," the official said.

SRINAGAR — The University of Kashmir (KU) is all set to announce summer vacations in main and satellite campuses from July 23.

As per the news agency Kashmir News Observer, the vacations are slated for nine days from July 23.

Top officials of the varsity said that the vacations will begin on July 23. “However, the examinations slated during the vacation period will be held as per the schedule.”

SRINAGAR — The clash between Kashmir University and Jamia Milia Islamia University Entrance Test, scheduled both June 22, has left the aspirants of Kashmir Valley at a crossroads.

A group of aggrieved aspirants told news agency Kashmir News Trust that Kashmir University and Jamia Milia Islamia in New Delhi have scheduled entrance tests for various postgraduate programs on the same date (June 22 this month), creating a situation where the aspirants who wish to appear in both the exams have been left to make a hard choice.

The candidates from Kashmir Valley are in a fix as they cannot appear in both the examinations on the same date. Some of the aspirants who made distressed calls to this news agency requested to take up the matter with the Kashmir University authorities.

They appealed to the University of Kashmir to delay the exam by one week which will enable them to appear in both exams.

When contacted, the Registrar, Kashmir University, Professor Nisar Ahmed Mir told KNT that they have arrived at a decision to reschedule all the entrance test dates that clash with other Universities.

“We request students to give feedback and mail directly to me or Kashmir University so that all the entrance test dates clashing with other universities will be rescheduled,” he said, adding that KU is for the benefit of students that will always take decisions in their interest.