Suhail Bhat
Srinagar Dec 30: Kupwara campus of Kashmir University, which has been under development for the last decade, is likely to open in March next year as the admissions procedure for the integrated courses in Physics and Energy studies has nearly concluded.
According to Kashmir University officials, classes for the nearly thirty students who were able to seek admission in the two subjects will begin in March.
“The University is now functional, and the class work for the students who got admission for the two courses will begin in March,” Vice Chancellor of the University, Nilofar Khan, told Excelsior.
The VC emphasized that they would provide the students all the amenities they need and said the University wants to develop the Kupwara Campus into an innovative academic facility in the future.
“The Integrated Energy Studies and Physics courses were launched with an eye towards the future, and we intend to launch additional courses here in due course after determining their sustainability,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Parvez Ahmad, Director of the Kupwara campus, told Excelsior that although fewer applicants than available seats showed up for the entrance exam, the University still decided to continue with the admissions process. “Given that the facility has been experiencing difficulties, we opted to continue the admission process even though there were fewer students,” he said.
COVID-19 forced the conversion of main buildings into COVID centers, he said, which delayed facility’s launch. “But we succeeded in taking the buildings back from the Health Department and making the campus functional,” he said.
When asked about the campus’s infrastructure and Human Resources, he said that they had already advertised the positions and that the hiring process would be completed in the next two months.
“Any shortcomings, we have, will be addressed in the next two months,” he added. “A hostel, an academic block, and an admission block is ready, while another academic block consisting 12 classrooms and eight laboratories is under construction, “ he said.
However, he asserted that the campus required a specific approach road and fencing. “Since they would guarantee the student’s accessibility and safety, the road and fencing have been brought up with the management,” he added.
Residents of many remote locations, including Keran, Karnah, Machil, Lolab, and Langate Belt, told Excelsior that they were pleased with the campus’ opening but wished the institution would offer integrated Geology, English, and Botany courses.
“The beginning of the Botany course will aid in examining and protecting the local biodiversity, which is abundant in the area. As the region has abundant sources of lime and granite, the geology should also be introduced,” a local said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel