by Umaima 

SRINAGAR: In over a decade, the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) still grapples with inadequate infrastructure affecting academic activities.

Central University Of Kashmir

Established in 2009, CUK started functioning from a makeshift campus in Srinagar wherefrom it was shifted to Ganderbal in 2019. But the varsity is still spread over three campuses with an administrative campus, also known as the green campus, based in main Ganderbal; the science campus at Nunar (Ganderbal) and the third one at Tulmulla of the district. As per the original plan, the university was to function out of the Tulmulla campus where 500 acres of land was sanctioned by the then-state government for the university.

The scattered campuses are affecting the academic and overall growth of the university like its counterpart in the Jammu division which also is facing similar infrastructural issues.

A bachelor’s level student, distraught with the staggered campuses said, “Our university lacks infrastructure. The transport facility for our main campus at Tulmulla is very poor. The only transport available is private. The university bus service is also inadequate. It is difficult for us to reach on time.”

Another student said, “I live in the Kangan area but there is no public transport facility for me to reach the university.”

“The bus facility of the university is very expensive for me. At least the university could have given us some rebate for the bus fee,” the student said.

Students of the university have also been complaining about the lack of hostel facilities.

“Students have to opt for paying guest rooms. And for those rooms, we have to pay at least Rs 5000-8000 per month. This is very expensive for us. We have been protesting but to no avail,” the student added.

Meanwhile, students are also raising the issue of fees being hiked by the university.

Another student said that the increase in fees this year has affected many students psychologically.

“Everyone can’t afford the increased fees.”

A Bachelor of Technology student said, “The fee structure was increased by 10 per cent in the year 2020. It kept on increasing since then.  Every department has increased the fee. In the first semester, we have to pay more fees.”

Public Relations Officer CUK Arshad Mehraj said, “To some extent, we have completed the construction of various departments of the university. We have also accorded 94 odd kanals of land for building boys’ and girls’ hostels. We will soon have adequate infrastructure.”

On the issue of the non-availability, he said, “We assign buses on various routes after understanding the requirements of the students.”

He said that the fee hasn’t been increased by all the departments as claimed by the students.

“Some percentage hike might have been done by a few departmental sections in order to meet their specific needs. But still, if there are any further issues in this matter, then the students should consult their respective department heads,” Mehraj said.

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