Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Feb 18: Public concern over deteriorating academic environment at Government Degree College (GDC) Bhaderwah intensified and the locals demanded urgent Government intervention to safeguard future of the local students.
In a joint press conference here today, Naseer Mehboob, chairman of NGO Youth Action Committee said the College was once a premier institute with student strength running into thousands but now has an enrolment of barely 200 students.
He blamed the sharp decline on the inclusion of the College under Common University Entrance Test (CUET) framework.
“Students aspiring for first-semester admission must first qualify the exam and many are allotted centres outside J&K, placing an additional financial and logistical burden on their families,” Mehboob maintained adding that many students are unable to afford it.
Others claimed that several academic subjects have been withdrawn over the years, narrowing academic choices and forcing students to migrate elsewhere for higher education.
They further demanded an immediate revision of the academic calendar.
Retired SDM, Ravi Thakur said the College established in 1950 was the third oldest in J&K has gradually lost its identity due to recent policy decisions.
The gathering collectively appealed to Higher Education Department to prioritize the matter and redress the issues without delay, claiming that continued neglect could have long-term consequences for the region’s educational landscape.
The press conference was attended by Manish Kotwal, president of Bhaderwah Adventure and Tourism Association and several prominent citizens.
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