Modi regime’s false narrative of ‘educational transformation’ in IIOJK falls apart
Dozens of colleges without principals, staff without salaries
Srinagar: Despite the BJP-led Indian government’s tall claims of educational reforms and improved infrastructure in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) following the revocation of special status in August 2019, dozens of government degree colleges remain headless, leaving academic and administrative work in disarray in the territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, nearly 45 degree colleges are without regular principals, being run on an additional charge basis from nearby institutions, while around ten colleges are completely headless with no Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) or Principal to handle day-to-day affairs.
Insiders said that the absence of principals and non-disbursal of salaries for the last three months has left teaching and non-teaching staff demoralized, while developmental works have come to a standstill, particularly in the newly established institutions.
“This vacuum in leadership has badly impacted academic planning, admissions, examinations, and most importantly developmental works,” said an official from the Higher Education Department.
One glaring example is Govt Degree College Frisal in Kulgam district, which has been functioning without a principal for 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, pushing employees into facing financial distress.
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 resident from Baderwah.
Employees working in these colleges say they have repeatedly raised the issue with higher authorities but to no avail.
Educationists warn that the prolonged administrative vacuum could have long-term repercussions. “The entire purpose of these institutions stands defeated if they remain headless and dysfunctional,” said noted educationist Ghulam Nabi Mir from Pulwama. Analysts say the situation once again exposes the hollowness of the Modi regime’s claims of transforming education in IIOJK, while the reality remains one of neglect, mismanagement, and suffering for employees and students alike.
