THE Jammu & Kashmir Democratic Youth Federation (JKDYF) and the Jammu & Kashmir Students’ Federation (JKSF) held a joint convention at Kulgam on July 4, in which hundreds of delegates across the district participated.

While addressing the convention, CPI(M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami said that youth are key agents for development and they should remain on the forefront in the struggle against the anti-people policies of the government.

The graph of unemployment in the region has shot up considerably. There is significant concern regarding the slow pace of the recruitment process, including PhD holders nearing the age limit. To address this, vacancies should be filled forthwith.

He urged for exploration of employment avenues for jobless educated youth and that unemployment allowance be provided to unemployed educated youth till they earn their livelihood.

National Testing Agency (NTA) is grappling with controversies over alleged irregularities in the entrance exams, including the NEET and UGC NET. NEET-UG examination, conducted by NTA, is the pathway for admissions into MBBS, BDS and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

After irregularities surfaced in the NEET and UGC NET exams, the central government postponed several exams, including the NEET PG.

He demanded action must be taken against the individuals involved in NEET exam scam.

Referring to National Education Policy, he said it is “an attack on the education system”, and demanded that the government must roll it back. He called for resisting the centralisation, communalisation and commercialisation of Indian education. He alleged that the BJP government has “unilaterally” imposed this policy after “bypassing” all the objections and opposition from various state governments.

The draft of National Education Policy was put out in the public domain seeking suggestions from all stakeholders, mainly the academia, the teaching community and the students. In addition, many intellectuals had also sent in their observations. None of these suggestions have been considered. He demanded increase in budget allocations for education and allied sectors.

Among others who addressed the convention include Mohmad Abass Rather, Jameel Barkat and Javid Ahmad Youth and other student leaders.