Very few takers for ‘Public Administration’ as subject in colleges: Govt
JAMMU, FEB 5: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday told the Assembly that student enrollment for Public Administration as an academic subject remains “well below the adequate level” in most colleges, indicating “limited demand” across the Union Territory.
The information was provided in a written reply by the Higher Education Department to a query from legislator Irfan Hafiz Lone during the ongoing budget session.
According to data tabled in the House, only 14 government degree colleges currently offer Public Administration at the undergraduate level. Admissions for the recent cycle show wide disparities: Amar Singh College, Srinagar, admitted 83 students, while Srinagar Women’s College, Zakura, admitted only three.
The department stated that where enrollment fell below the prescribed minimum threshold of 10 students, the program was not offered for the academic session.
“Introduction of any new course or subject is undertaken on a demand-driven basis and is contingent upon demonstrable student interest,” the reply said, adding that proposals from colleges are examined subject to the availability of infrastructure and faculty.
At the university level, the University of Kashmir introduced a Master’s Programme in Public Administration (MPA) in 2023 with an intake capacity of 30 seats, a move described as a “measured and phased academic expansion.”
The government said its current focus is on improving enrollment and ensuring optimal resource utilisation in colleges where the course is already being taught. (KNS)
