BADC Calls for District-Level Student Counseling and Facilitation Centers for Academic Year 2024-25

Jammu, 12 January 2024: In preparation for the upcoming academic year 2024-25, set to commence in March-April, the Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (BADC), a registered organization dedicated to the welfare of border residents, has made a significant appeal to the Jammu and Kashmir government. The organization has urged the authorities and Vice Chancellors of all universities in Jammu and Kashmir to establish district-level counseling and facilitation centers for students. This initiative aims to assist aspiring students in understanding the procedures for securing admissions in various government and private colleges and universities.
According to BADC, thousands of students in Jammu and Kashmir faced confusion and uncertainty last year due to the negligence of universities and government authorities. Many students were forced to travel to other states to appear for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which added unnecessary stress and hardship. The establishment of district-level centers, BADC argues, would help prevent such issues in the future, ensuring that students can smoothly navigate the admission process.
Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman of BADC and a former Vice Chancellor, has taken a proactive stance on this issue. In his submission to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Dr. Malik emphasized the need to ensure that students, particularly those from border and remote areas, do not face difficulties in securing admissions to higher education after completing their 10+2 education.
Dr. Malik urged the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir to take swift action in establishing these district-level counseling and facilitation centers. He highlighted that these centers would be crucial in helping students make informed decisions about their choice of courses, colleges, and universities, based on their academic backgrounds and aspirations.
In addition to his appeal to the authorities, Dr. Malik also addressed the students and their parents directly. He advised them to exercise caution and thoroughly research their options before making decisions about their academic futures. He stressed the importance of avoiding last-minute rushes and hasty decisions, which could lead to unfavorable outcomes.
The call for district-level counseling and facilitation centers reflects the pressing need for a structured and supportive approach to the admission process in Jammu and Kashmir. With the upcoming academic year fast approaching, the timely establishment of these centers could play a crucial role in ensuring that students from all regions, particularly those from underserved areas, have equal opportunities to pursue higher education. The BADC’s initiative highlights the importance of proactive measures in education planning, aiming to reduce the challenges faced by students and their families during this critical phase of their academic journey.