ACS Higher Education Visits Degree College Handwara, Reviews Progress and Staff Concerns

Handwara, Nov,08:Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Shri Shantmanu (IAS), today visited Government Degree College Handwara to review the progress of various ongoing construction works, including the new auditorium and other academic infrastructure projects.

The Additional Chief Secretary was warmly received by ADC Handwara, accompanied by Tehsildar Handwara, Principal GDC Handwara, and other civil and police officers.

During his interaction with Headlines Today, Shri Shantmanu said that the multipurpose auditorium hall at the college would be completed within a week, paving the way for cultural and educational activities to be held during the winter season.

Addressing the issue of defunct college buses, the ACS advised the college administration to dispose of the old vehicles as per government procedure before submitting a proposal for new transport facilities. He assured that the department would explore avenues under the CSR quota to support this requirement.

On the matter of vacant principal posts across several colleges, Shri Shantmanu said that the government is actively working to fill these vacancies permanently within the next 7 to 15 days.

Discussing landscaping and campus beautification, he remarked that most colleges already have botanical parks, but due to budget constraints, the primary focus remains on strengthening the educational and infrastructural setup. He, however, assured that the green beautification issue will be taken up with higher authorities.

Speaking about the salary structure of contractual lecturers, the ACS acknowledged that financial limitations have delayed pay hikes. However, he revealed that the department is planning to implement a Samagra Shiksha–like monthly payment system to ensure timely disbursement of salaries to contractual teaching staff.

The visit of the Additional Chief Secretary was appreciated by the college administration and staff, who expressed optimism that the ongoing developmental and administrative issues would soon be resolved under his gratitude.