Srinagar, Aug 28 (KNO): A large number of government degree colleges across Jammu and Kashmir have been headless, severely hampering academic and administrative functioning of these institutions.
Insiders told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the absence of principals and non-disbursal of salaries for the last three months have left staff members demoralized and developmental works stalled, particularly in newly established institutions.
According to details available with KNO, nearly 45 degree colleges are currently without regular principals, being run on an additional charge basis from nearby institutions.
Worryingly around ten colleges are completely headless, with no DDO/ Principal to manage day-to-day affairs.
“This vacuum in leadership has badly impacted academic planning, admissions, examinations, and most importantly developmental works. In the absence of principals, key files remain unattended and approvals are delayed,” said an official from the Higher Education Department.
The problem is especially acute in the newly established colleges set up in 2019, which were meant to expand higher education opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas. Without proper leadership, these institutions are struggling to provide even basic facilities.
One glaring example is Government Degree College Frisal in Kulgam district, which has been functioning without a principal for several months.
An official said that the college has not been able to utilize developmental funds, and even day-to-day management has become difficult.
“Since the last three months, staff salaries have not been released. Teachers and non-teaching staff are facing financial stress."
The situation is no better at GDC Baderwah another big college in Jammu Division. Locals and employees complain that the absence of leadership has not only halted development but also discouraged students from seeking admission.
“Parents are hesitant to admit their wards to colleges where there is no stability. When basic administrative functions like salary disbursement, infrastructure development, and academic planning are crippled, how can students get quality education?” asked a local resident from Baderwah.
Employees working in these colleges say they have repeatedly raised the issue with higher authorities but to no avail. “We have been working without salaries for months. Our families are suffering, and yet no solution has been provided. The government needs to immediately appoint regular principals and streamline salary disbursement,” said a group of faculty members.
Educationists warn that the prolonged administrative vacuum could have long-term repercussions on higher education in J&K. “The 2019 colleges were a major step to ensure access to education for rural students. But if they remain headless and dysfunctional, the entire purpose is defeated,” said Gh Nabi Mir a noted educationist from Pulwama.
Faculty members, students along with residents have sought the intervention of Minister of Higher Education, Sakina Itoo to resolve the issue at an earliest as the employees are suffering badly without salaries and developmental works have been hit hard in such institutions—(KNO)