23 colleges functioning from makeshift buildings in JK
Govt fails to provide permanent campuses for these institutions
Srinagar: Despite various assurances and promises, the higher education department has failed to complete construction of the permanent campuses for the degree colleges functioning from the make shift arrangements or rented accommodations in the state.
The department had set a deadline for completing construction of around 16 college buildings during the financial year 2017-18. However, the construction of buildings for very few colleges has been completed so far.
These colleges targeted for completion in 2017-18 include GDC Uttrasoo, GDC Sogam, GDC Paloura, GDC Jhindra, GDC Khour, GDC Gool, GDC Magam, GDC Kangan, GDC Banihal, GDC Budhal, GDC Nobra, GDC Zanskar, GDC Surankote, GDC DH Pora, GDC Tangdhar and GDC Dharmari.
“None of the campuses has been completed fully though work on some college buildings is in final stages,” an official said.
As per the official figures around 23 colleges are without permanent buildings in the state and are functional from make-shift arrangements.
“The work on seven degree college buildings was targeted to be completed in financial year 2018-19 but given the slow pace of construction, the buildings won’t be completed before 2021,” an official said.
The official however attributed the delay in completion of the target to the problems faced during the land acquisition process for establishment of the permanent buildings of these colleges.
“The process of land acquisition for GDC Hadipora in Rafiabad was lingering from 2010 to 2018 as the matter landed in the judiciary. The work on the college campus started this year only. Same is the case with other colleges,” an official in higher education department said.
Around 41 colleges were sanctioned during the past 10 years under various centrally sponsored schemes and state plan however, the construction work is yet to be completed on 23 Government Degree Colleges (GDCs) in the J&K state.
A total of 97 government degree colleges – 46 in Kashmir and 47 in Jammu are functional out of which 65 are functioning in their own campuses.
Baghi Dilawar Khan College which was approved under the state plan for Srinagar is functioning from three rooms of MP Higher Secondary School Srinagar from 2010. The lack of accommodation and other facilities has resulted in the downward trend of the enrollment in the College. “The enrollment of the college was never above 20,” an official said.
Secretary higher education department, Sarita Chauhan when contacted said the department has taken note of the incomplete buildings and have asked the concerned construction agencies to expedite the work.
“We are hopeful of completing the construction work of many college buildings in 2019,” she said.
KV Correspondent
