Non-concurrence from Cabinet puts functioning of colleges in limbo

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 6: Gover-nment today admitted that three new Degree Colleges could not be made functional as the orders were issued without concurrence of the State Cabinet.
In a written reply to a question of MLA Devender Singh Rana in Lower House, Minister Incharge Higher Education, said Higher Education Department in 2014 issued orders for establishment of three Degree Colleges at Kastigarh, Ukhral and Hajan vide Government order No. 386- He of 2014 dated 24-07-2014.
“These orders were issued without concurrence of the State Cabinet as a result of which these colleges could not become functional. Therefore, it becomes imperative for  Higher Education Department to get the concurrence of Finance and Planning Departments so that the matter is formally submitted to State Cabinet for approval,” the Minister stated.
The Minister further stated there are 95 Government Degree Colleges functional in the State, out of which 22 Degree Colleges were sanctioned during the year 2011. At present 58 Degree Colleges are functioning in their own buildings and the remaining 37 Degree Colleges are functioning in make shift arrangements, said the Minister.
“The department intends to equip these existing Degree Colleges with all necessary infrastructure facilities including buildings laboratories, libraries etc. and teaching/ non- teaching faculty thus facilitate them to become fully functional rather than expansion,” the Minister added.