SRINAGAR: Two days after reports revealed that over 45 government degree colleges in Jammu and Kashmir are operating without regular principals—and nearly a dozen are entirely headless—the administration now issued an order assigning additional charge of several colleges to principals from other institutions.
According to the directive, principals of established colleges have been tasked with leading additional institutions “in the interest of administration” until further orders. The list covers both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, with senior faculty from reputed colleges such as Amar Singh College Srinagar, GDC Anantnag, Baramulla, and Kishtwar entrusted with additional responsibilities,” reads an order.
The order also clarifies that in some cases—including GDC Kokernag, Uri, Bijbehara, and Dudu-Basantgarh—the new arrangement will take effect after the retirement of incumbent principals in August 2025.
Pertinently, the vacuum in leadership had stalled developmental works and delayed salary disbursements for the last three months, leaving employees in distress.
“This vacuum in leadership had hit academic planning, admissions, examinations, and most importantly developmental works. In the absence of principals, key files remain unattended and approvals are delayed,” an official from the Higher Education Department had earlier said.
Newly established colleges, particularly those set up in 2019 to expand higher education access in rural belts, were the worst hit. At Government Degree College Frisal in Kulgam, for instance, the absence of a principal has paralyzed administration and halted the utilization of developmental funds.
While this latest order is seen as a temporary relief to administrative paralysis, stakeholders insist that only permanent appointments can restore stability and ensure that JK’s higher education sector meets its academic and developmental goals.
