JKSA takes up issues of students with Rahul Gandhi

Srinagar, Aug 22: A delegation from the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) accompanied by youth and students from various colleges and Universities of Jammu and Kashmir here on Thursday called on Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Srinagar and apprised him about various issues of Jammu and Kashmir students.

In a statement National Convenor of Association Nasir Khuehami said that one-on-one interaction with the Leader of Opposition lasted for an hour focused on a range of student centric issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was productive and encouraging as well, he said.

The delegation, which included Shahid Ayoub, Dr Fozia, Sajidah Masalli, Ibtisam Gani, Mariya, Anusha Mahajan, Umar Jamal, and others, apprised Rahul Gandhi of the various challenges faced by students from the region. They highlighted the persistent harassment and discrimination that many students from J&K continue to face in different parts of the country. The delegation sought the support of the Leader of Opposition in addressing these issues and ensuring the safety of Kashmiri students nationwide.

National President of Association Umar Jamal who was part of the delegation said that the students also brought to Rahul Gandhi's attention the difficulties faced by tribal, open merit, and minority students, particularly regarding minority scholarships and MANF scholarship, job quotas, and recruitment drives. One of the key concerns raised was the issue of the special hostel for 700 J&K students in Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi, a significant initiative undertaken by the then government in 2011 to ensure the well-being of Jammu and Kashmir students.

However, the delegation informed LoP that the hostel is now mostly occupied by students from other states, leaving J&K students struggling with accommodation challenges. They expressed hope that he would address the pressing issue of on-campus hostel accommodation facilities.

Furthermore, the students emphasised the importance of revitalising the Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), which was initiated by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. While the scheme has been a lifeline for many students from J&K, recent setbacks have caused significant financial hardship. Many scholarship beneficiaries have not received funds for months, forcing them to explore costly alternatives. The delegation requested LoP Gandhi's support in ensuring the smooth functioning of the PMSSS and the timely disbursement of scholarships.

The discussion also touched on the severe unemployment crisis plaguing Jammu and Kashmir. They urged him to advocate for a transparent and fair recruitment process to address these issues. Students who were part of the delegation raised several important issues, including women's safety in Kashmir, concerns over the reservation bill, the New Reservation Policy and its perceived unfairness to the general category, and the implementation of the women’s reservation bill.

The delegation expressed their sincere thanks to the General Secretary of the party and DDC member, Choudhary Shahnawaz, for arranging the meeting with LoP Rahul Gandhi on very short notice, allowing them to present these pressing issues. The students expressed their gratitude to Rahul Gandhi for allowing them to voice the challenges they face. They said that his assurance to raise these issues in the Lok Sabha and bring them to the government's attention gives them hope that positive changes will follow.

Responding to the requests of Students Association and other students, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi assured all his full support to the delegation and said that he would take up their concerns in Parliament and work towards swift redressal of the issues affecting the students of Jammu and Kashmir. He will draw his attention towards the issues for its earliest redressal.

"Rahul Gandhi said that" they should continue to keep highlighting the issues of student welfare, and youth welfare and should follow them until redressed and resolved. Association extended gratitude to the Leader of opposition for patient hearing and hoped that all the issues brought into his notice will be addressed as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, on this occasion Gandhi reached out to several family members and guardians of the students who were part of the delegation. During these calls, he inquired about the well-being of the parents and asked about the students' academic and professional progress. Gandhi also made a video conference call to his sister Priyanka Gandhi, during which the students who were part of the delegation interacted with the family of the Leader of the Opposition.