SRINAGAR: Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, has issued a detailed statement rebutting recent criticism about alleged administrative and academic challenges at the institution, amid an ongoing admission drive.
The statement follows a tweet by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, whose father laid the foundation stone for the university, highlighting concerns over staff shortages, the need for a full-time registrar, and the introduction of modern courses such as AI, Data Science, Renewable Energy, Tourism Management, and Skill Development. Mufti described the situation as a “beautiful dream slowly turning into a nightmare” and said her party, the PDP, held a protest march to highlight these issues.
BGSBU, however, strongly condemned what it described as “baseless and misleading narratives” aimed at undermining the university’s progress. The university pointed out that under the leadership of Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri and in additional charge as Registrar for the past eight months, BGSBU has undergone a “phase of transformative growth and renewal.”
Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the university has introduced 27 new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, established six new academic departments, and launched four-year UG programmes with multiple entry–exit options. Cutting-edge courses in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Tourism, and Management have also been added at Diploma, UG, PG, and PhD levels.
The statement highlighted a surge in student admissions, with over 1,000 students enrolling this year, reflecting growing confidence in the university’s governance and academic ecosystem. BGSBU has also integrated field-based experiential learning, including collaborations with the Border Roads Organisation, for professional students to gain real-world exposure.
The university has emphasised preserving regional identity and linguistic diversity by establishing a Centre for Research in Gojri, Pahari, and Kashmiri languages and launching BA and MA programmes in these disciplines. Digital transformation has been advanced through full adoption of Samarth ERP for admissions, examinations, and student services.
On the infrastructure front, BGSBU secured ₹20 crore under RUSA for strengthening facilities and ₹2 crore under CAPEX for smart classrooms. Renovation of three hostels has been completed, new academic blocks constructed, and ongoing upgrades to faculty quarters, academic blocks, and conference halls are in progress.
The university has also set up a Startup Cell, Entrepreneurship Development Cell, Tinkering Lab, and Institutional Innovation Council, hosting its first-ever Startup Hackathon to promote innovation and creativity among students. Sustainability initiatives include a 1 MW solarisation project in partnership with the J&K Science and Technology Department and JKEDA, aiming for a carbon-neutral campus.
For women’s empowerment, BGSBU provides 50% fee concessions for the only girl child and the top two meritorious female students, along with civil services coaching under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme. RFID-enabled identity cards have been introduced, and a University Induction Programme focusing on mental health, drug abuse awareness, and adaptation to university life has been conducted.
The university reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and transparency” and urged stakeholders to disregard what it termed “false and malicious propaganda,” emphasising BGSBU’s ongoing mission to prepare responsible, skilled, and socially conscious citizens.
The statement serves as a strong rebuttal to criticism while highlighting significant strides in academic innovation, infrastructure, and student welfare at BGSBU.
