Spl feature Story; From cloudbursts to curfews—students in Doda seek syllabus cut or open choice in exams to save their future Slug-1709ZS_BHD_EXAM_RELAX_R By Raja Rehber Jamal  Location-Bhaderwah VO:Students in District Doda have emerged as the worst sufferers of recent natural calamities and law-and-order disruptions. With schools remaining closed for more than one and a half months, students fear they will not be able to complete their syllabus ahead of examinations scheduled between late October and mid-November. They are demanding either a reduction in syllabus or an open-choice option in exams. Since August, the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar have been reeling under back-to-back crises. Torrential rains, landslides, and cloudbursts left life paralyzed. Soon after, law-and-order issues erupted in Doda when PSA was slapped on MLA Mehraj Malik, leading to strict restrictions under Section 163 BNSS. During this entire period, schools remained closed, depriving students of classroom learning. Now, after resumption of classes, students from across Doda, including Bhaderwah, say the loss of academic days has left them unprepared for the upcoming examinations. They are urging the administration and education authorities to step in — either by reducing the syllabus or by providing open choice in question papers — so that their academic future is not jeopardized by circumstances beyond their control. Supporting their demand, educationist Arif Rana of GHSS Boys Bhaderwah said that the Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has already written to the Secretary, J&K Board of School Education, recommending academic relief for students of winter zone schools in the Jammu division. According to official reports, the DSEJ, after seeking suggestions from all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) of the division, found unanimous agreement that the syllabus for the current academic session should be reduced by 15 to 20 percent. Instead of deleting specific topics — which could create disparities since different schools have covered different portions — the Directorate has suggested that students be given open choice in examinations. The DSEJ has formally requested the Board to consider devising a suitable mechanism to grant this relief — whether through syllabus reduction, open-choice, or any other concession deemed appropriate — in the interest of safeguarding students’ academic prospects. With examinations drawing closer, students’ demand for syllabus relaxation has gained momentum. All eyes are now on the authorities to see if a timely decision will be taken to ensure Doda’s youth are not penalized for disruptions beyond their control. Feed.  Shots  Bytes.  1. Atiba Jaan, 11th class Student Doda.  2. Abu Usman, Student Bhaderwah.  3. Sujal Sharma, Student Chinta.  4. Faizan, Student Bhaderwah.  5. Abbu Hurerah, Doda.  6.Educationist Arif Rana.  Regards Raja Rehber Jamal Chenab Valley E-mail :- rehberjamal12@gmail.com, rehberjamal12@rediffmail.com Mob:- 8803163150, 7006027038 , 7051440613