Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 7: The J&K Government today said it is not planning to convert the North Campus of the University of Kashmir into a full-fledged independent university for North Kashmir, stating that no such proposal has been received so far by the Higher Education Department.
Replying to a starred question by MLA Dr Sajjad Shafi in the Legislative Assembly, the Government said that as and when any proposal is submitted in this regard, it will be examined on the basis of academic viability, infrastructural feasibility and alignment with regional educational requirements.
While acknowledging that North Kashmir, including Uri, Karnah and adjoining border regions, has distinct climatic, geographical and topographical characteristics, the Government said that a sufficient and well-distributed network of Government Degree Colleges is already functioning across the northern districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora.
“At present, 26 Government Degree Colleges are operational in these districts, offering a diverse range of academic programmes that adequately cater to the higher educational needs of the students of the region,” the reply said, adding that Government Degree College, Uri, provides local access to higher education for students in the Uri region.
The Government further said that factors such as distance, difficult terrain and socio-economic conditions are key considerations guiding the University of Kashmir in planning academic outreach, infrastructure development and expansion of its satellite campuses in North Kashmir, including Baramulla and Kupwara.
It said the University of Kashmir operates through its main campus at Hazratbal and satellite campuses to extend higher education across different regions of the Union Territory, while a Central University is functioning at Ganderbal and the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) at Awantipora.
As per official records, the Government said, a total of 30,680 students are currently enrolled across the 26 Government Degree Colleges in North Kashmir, including 16,297 female and 14,383 male students, reflecting higher participation of female students and indicating satisfactory access to higher education, particularly for women.
In North Kashmir, the University of Kashmir is operating through its North Campus at Delina, Baramulla, and Kupwara Campus at Wayan, both of which are fully functional, the Government said.
The Government said continuous efforts are being made to strengthen these campuses by expanding academic programmes, augmenting infrastructure, improving hostels and support facilities, and enhancing faculty and administrative resources, subject to availability of funds and statutory provisions.
Reiterating its stand, the Government said there is no proposal under consideration to upgrade the North Campus into an independent North Kashmir University, and any such move would be examined only if a formal proposal is received.
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