Thiruvananthapuram, March 27: Congress leaders in Kerala have raised concerns regarding the scheduled dates for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, urging the central government to reconsider the timing. They argue that the exam coincides with the Christian community’s sacred ‘Holy Week.’
Congress MP K.C. Venugopal wrote to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, noting that the JEE Main is set to take place from April 2 to April 8, overlapping with significant religious observances such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.
He emphasized that conducting the exam during this period would impose mental stress on Christian students, as these days are crucial for religious rituals and prayers. Venugopal has called for a reassessment of the exam dates.
Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan also highlighted the issue, stating that Maundy Thursday and Easter are among the holiest days for the Christian community. He criticized the National Testing Agency’s decision and echoed the demand to postpone the exam.
Ramesh Chennithala, a member of the Congress Working Committee, added that the current schedule would prevent Christian students from participating in religious events. He pointed out that this situation forces students to choose between their faith and their studies.
Congress leaders have appealed to the central government to show sensitivity and adjust the exam dates to accommodate the interests of all students. Notably, the Christian community constitutes approximately 17 percent of Kerala’s population of around 33 million.
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