Says issues can be resolved when intent exists; presses for rationalisation of reservation policy
SRINAGAR: Er. Ehtisham Khan,a prominent social and student-rights activist, on Saturday welcomed the notification issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE) announcing the conduct of a physical round of counselling to accommodate the 50 MBBS students affected by the derecognition of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence.
The decision to allocate supernumerary seats across Government Medical Colleges within the Union Territory comes as a much-needed relief for the affected students and their families, who have been living under prolonged uncertainty, emotional distress and academic anxiety for several weeks.
Er. Ehtisham Khan, in a statement issued here, stated:“This announcement brings reassurance to students who were facing the prospect of losing an entire academic year despite securing their admissions purely on merit. It is a corrective step that restores confidence and reaffirms that students will not be made to pay the price for systemic lapses.”
He noted that the counselling notification reflects the impact of sustained public pressure and student advocacy, and that timely intervention was crucial to prevent irreversible academic and psychological damage. “For students aspiring to pursue one of the most competitive professional courses in the country, uncertainty of this magnitude is deeply traumatic. This decision provides the clarity, dignity and relief that should have been ensured much earlier,” he said.
While welcoming the move, Er. Khan emphasised that such corrective action must be viewed as a responsibility of the system, not a concession. “Safeguarding student careers is not an act of generosity. It is an obligation. Merit-earned futures cannot be left vulnerable to administrative delays, institutional misjudgments or regulatory failures,” he asserted.
Referring to the broader implications, Er. Ehtisham Khan said that the present development clearly demonstrates that when there is intent, issues affecting students can be resolved without undue delay. “This step shows that the system is capable of course correction when it chooses to act in the interest of students. What is required is consistency, foresight and genuine political and administrative will,” he remarked.
He added that the same urgency must now be extended to other longstanding student concerns. “I once again appeal to the government to honour its commitment regarding the rationalisation of the reservation policy. Enough time has been wasted and enough assurances have been given. Students have waited patiently, often at great personal and academic cost. It is now time to move from promises to delivery and ensure that merit, fairness and equal opportunity are restored in our education system,” he said.
Placing the issue in a wider context, Er. Khan noted that students of Jammu and Kashmir are already grappling with shrinking opportunities and prolonged policy uncertainty. “Episodes like this underline the urgent need for student-centric governance and institutional accountability. Students must never again be pushed into avoidable distress due to failures that are entirely beyond their control,” he observed.
He expressed hope that the counselling process will be conducted in a transparent, fair and humane manner, ensuring smooth allocation of seats without further anxiety for the affected candidates. He concluded by stating that while the present step offers immediate relief, long-term safeguards are essential to ensure that such crises do not recur and that student futures remain protected at all times.