SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed campus of Government Degree College (GDC) Purmandal in Samba district, marking what he called a key milestone in the region’s higher education landscape.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister underlined the government’s focus on improving health and education. He appreciated Minister for Higher Education Sakeena Itoo for her role in the appointment of doctors and assistant professors and the upgradation of schools.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by students, the Chief Minister assured consideration of demands, especially for new academic courses and improved road connectivity.
“We want Jammu to become a centre for tourism, particularly religious tourism, to uplift local communities,” he said, adding that he would consider his mission incomplete until students from outside J&K begin choosing local institutions for higher studies.
Referring to students returning from Iran during global emergencies, he thanked the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister for their role, assuring parents that student welfare remains a priority.
He reiterated the commitment to upgrade government schools and equip students with modern skills. “Government jobs alone cannot solve unemployment. We aim to train youth in global-standard skills,” he said.
During the event, the Chief Minister handed over keys of five buses—provided by J&K Bank under its CSR initiative—to five Government Degree Colleges in Jammu division. He acknowledged J&K Bank’s role in supporting education infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Minister Sakeena Itoo also addressed the gathering. Choudhary termed the establishment of a GDC in Purmandal a transformative step, while Itoo highlighted the recent appointment of over 500 assistant professors and announced plans for more subjects and hostel facilities at the college.
Additional Chief Secretary of Higher Education, Shantmanu, detailed the campus’s features, including a planned four-storey academic block, playground, and landscaped surroundings.
The event was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Vijaypur Chander Parkash Ganga, MLA Gulabgarh Er Khurshid Ahmad, ACS to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Director Colleges, DC Samba, and the Principal of GDC Purmandal.
