Srinagar, Feb 13: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday said that there is no immediate or compelling requirement to establish new Government Degree Colleges in the Union Territory, citing adequate intake capacity and low enrolment levels in existing institutions.
Replying to question tabled by MLA Mir Saifullah, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the Minister In-Charge of the Higher Education Department informed the House that enrolment in Government Degree Colleges across J&K has shown improvement during the last admission session.
The government said that total admissions during the previous academic session stood at 45,438, reflecting an upward trend compared to previous years. However, it added that the cumulative sanctioned intake capacity of Government Degree Colleges in the UT is 1,16,767 seats, which is significantly higher than the current enrolment figures.
“In view of the above, there is at present no immediate or compelling requirement for opening new Degree Colleges in the Union Territory,” the government said, adding that the focus remains on optimal utilisation of existing infrastructure, enhancement of academic facilities and improving enrolment levels to provide quality, globally competitive education.
Regarding the demand for establishing Degree Colleges in Trehgam and Keran Tehsils, the government said that Trehgam village is located approximately six kilometres from Government Degree College Kralpora as well as Government Degree College Kupwara (Boys) and Government Degree College for Women, Kupwara, and is therefore adequately served by nearby institutions.
It further stated that Trehgam has only one Higher Secondary School, indicating a limited feeder base, and thus the establishment of a separate Degree College there is not considered feasible at present.
With regard to Keran Tehsil, the government, citing a report submitted by the Principal, GDC Kupwara vide letter No. GDCK/26/1388 dated 19-01-2026, said that the catchment area is comparatively small, with only one Higher Secondary School functional in the Tehsil having an enrolment of around 151 students.
In view of the availability of nearby colleges, comparatively low feeding strength in the catchment areas and underutilisation of existing intake capacity, the government said that opening additional Degree Colleges in the said Tehsils is not feasible at this stage from the perspective of enrolment viability and optimal utilisation of resources. — (KNC)
