Leh, May 30: Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department, Padma Angmo, held a press briefing at the Civil Secretariat, Leh, addressing the issues faced by students of Ladakh in allotment of examination centres for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Commissioner Secretary also briefed regarding the issues flagged by the students regarding Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojana (formerly PMSSS), the web portal for which was opened on 22nd May 2023.

Padma Angmo stated that students gave a representation to the Commissioner/Secretary with the list of students who were allotted centres in Ladakh and Chandigarh in the different slots for CUET exams by the National Testing Agency, NTA. She said that the issue was flagged to NTA and prompt action was taken by NTA and their centres were reallocated. Commissioner/Secretary stated that however many more students later approached the Department with similar issues. This was taken up in a meeting with Sr Director, NTA at New Delhi on 28th May (Sunday) following which NTA set up Help Desk at Lamdon Model School in Leh and Rijyung School in Kargil and also issued a press note stating that the students shall be facilitated to appear in centres in Ladakh and assured full support for accommodating Ladakhi students who missed their CUET test in the last phase starting 5th June.

Commissioner/Secretary, Padma Angmo, acknowledged the consistent and extensive support provided by the government in addressing the difficulties faced by students in Ladakh stemming from the unique circumstances of the region. Moreover, Comm/Secy, Padma Angmo emphasized the importance of timely dissemination of information by the local media to ensure effective publicity of schemes and helplines.

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Furthermore, the Commissioner/Secretary, informed that a 400-seater computer-based Testing Centre is also being constructed at Leh and Kargil under SDP. She also said, till the Centres are constructed, the Administration of Ladakh along with NTA, will explore operationalising bigger centres for holding CUET exams for next year.

Regarding the PM-USP Yojana 2023-24 (formerly PMSSS), Commissioner/Secretary, Padma Angmo, said that the issue flagged by some students regarding the absence of prefix code for students from Ladakh on the PM-USP portal of AICTE has already been taken up with AICTE and JK BOSE.

Further, she emphasized the importance of thoroughly reading the application guidelines to avoid errors, highlighting that many mistakes stem from a lack of understanding. Students were strongly urged to carefully review the instructions before submitting their forms, ensuring a smooth application process and minimizing discrepancies.

PM-USP scholarship erstwhile known as PMSSS, offers financial assistance to students pursuing professional and general studies outside the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. Highlighting its significant benefits, Commissioner/Secretary, Padma Angmo, mentioned the monthly maintenance allowance of Rs 10,000 and reimbursement of academic fees, making it one of the most lucrative scholarships available. Additionally, she also informed about scholarships offered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Minority Affairs, emphasizing that students can only avail themselves of one scholarship. Hence, students must make an informed decision while choosing the scholarships.

Pradhan Mantri Ucchhatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana offers a diverse range of scholarships to eligible students. In the General Degree stream, the scholarship includes a course fee of up to Rs. 30,000 each, while for professional courses like Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, BSc. Nursing, and BA. LLB through National Law Universities (NLU), scholarships are provided, amounting up to Rs. 1.25 Lakh, and for Medical/BDS or equivalent medical streams, with each scholarship offering a significant value of up to Rs. 3.00 lakh. In addition, students are given a maintenance fee of Rs 1 lakh per annum to meet hostel and other daily expenditures.