It is a matter of great concern that, despite a great demand for technical courses elsewhere, the majority of seats in engineering colleges remain vacant in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the burgeoning demand for technical education across the nation, the engineering institutions in the region find themselves grappling with this peculiar situation. This issue is not just a statistical anomaly; it represents a complex challenge that demands urgent attention and collective action from all stakeholders involved. There is a confluence of factors, each contributing to the alarming vacancy rates. Outdated admission rules, inadequate infrastructure, limited job opportunities, and the absence of a robust scholarship scheme are among the primary culprits. The failure to adapt admission policies in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives, particularly regarding management quotas and seat-filling procedures, reflects a systemic inertia that undermines the potential of these institutions.
The reluctance of the Department of Higher Education to implement necessary reforms exacerbates the problem, perpetuating a cycle of administrative inefficiency. While other states have embraced flexibility in admission procedures, Jammu and Kashmir remains shackled by archaic regulations, stifling the growth of its engineering colleges. The administrative inertia is so pronounced that colleges are compelled to seek directives from the High Court to prompt action from authorities. Furthermore, the delay in conducting counselling processes by the BOPEE exacerbates the issue, leaving students in limbo and forcing many to seek education outside the region. The efforts to streamline the counselling process are promised, but end results are yet to come.
Beyond administrative hurdles, inadequate facilities, outdated equipment, and a shortage of skilled educators deter prospective applicants, undermining the credibility and viability of engineering colleges in the region. Moreover, the limited job opportunities within UT after graduation compound the issue, prompting students to seek greener pastures elsewhere. The disconnect between industry demands and academic offerings leaves graduates ill-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the job market. Additionally, the absence of a robust scholarship scheme for students studying in Jammu and Kashmir further complicates the issue, dissuading enrolment in local engineering colleges and perpetuating a cycle of underrepresentation and missed opportunities.
The authorities seem to overlook the fact that these engineering colleges support hundreds of families through employment. Southern states monopolised the private engineering college sector, which remains a lucrative business for many institutions even today. These colleges are often preferred over local ones in other states due to their reputation and offerings. However, the lack of upgrades and timely processes in UT’s engineering colleges has put them in the present situation. Unlike premium colleges elsewhere that introduce cutting-edge branches of engineering, our colleges struggle to even complete the admissions process on time. The absence of a management quota, Government aid, timely admissions, and applicable scholarship schemes creates unnecessary hurdles for J&K’s technical institutes. As a result, none of these colleges holds a significant all-India ranking, which affects their appeal to both local and out-of-state students. Moreover, without adequate ties to major industries, students face challenges in obtaining even mandatory practical training. Limited admissions exacerbate issues like transportation, canteen management, hostel facilities, and mess services. It becomes increasingly difficult to sustain staff salaries under these circumstances. While engineering colleges in neighbouring states have transformed into deemed universities with top-notch infrastructure and diverse course offerings, those in Jammu and Kashmir are fighting to stay afloat.
The Administration must recognise the myriad problems plaguing these colleges and address them promptly. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir should actively pursue scholarship schemes tailored for these institutions. Unless the root causes are effectively dealt with, the survival of these colleges will remain precarious. To address these multifaceted challenges, a holistic approach is required, encompassing policy reforms, infrastructure development, industry-academia collaboration, and student support initiatives. The Government must demonstrate a firm commitment to revamping the whole system for a thriving engineering ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
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