NAAC flags deficiencies in Sopore colleges, Govt plans infra overhaul

Srinagar, Mar 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government has admitted to delays, structural issues, and infrastructure deficiencies in Government Degree College (GDC) Sopore (Boys) and Government College for Women (GCW) Sopore.
In response to a query by MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, Education Minister Sakina Itoo in a written reply highlighted the status of ongoing projects, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)-identified shortcomings, and future plans for improvement.
She also confirmed that a women’s hostel project at GDC Sopore has remained incomplete since 2017 and has now been declared structurally unsafe.
“The project was sanctioned by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2008 at an estimated cost of ₹1 crore. However, due to cost escalations, the Public Works Department (PWD) revised the project in 2012,” she said.
The reply further reads that construction was halted in 2017 after the executing agency failed to meet safety and quality standards, leading to cracks, collapsed walls, erosion, and other structural defects. We have now sought a fresh structural stability review before deciding on the next course of action, it said.
It further reads that NAAC, during its last inspection in May 2023, flagged several shortcomings in both GDC Sopore (Boys) and GCW Sopore. At GDC Sopore (Boys), science laboratories were found inadequate and outdated, with NAAC recommending a modernized science lab block.
“Then government has directed PWD Sopore to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this purpose, which will be considered under the 2025-26 Capex Budget. The library was also found to be insufficient for the growing student population, and plans for a new library block (G+1) are currently being developed,” it said.
The Minister also informed that at GCW Sopore, NAAC highlighted the need for campus modernization, better IT infrastructure, and library automation.
“The government has sanctioned ₹4 crore for campus landscaping, infrastructure improvements, and laboratory upgrades. An additional ₹32 lakh has been allocated for RFID-based library automation to streamline access for students and faculty.”
Furthermore, a Skill Development Block is nearing completion, and the college is setting up an AI and Robotics Lab to align with modern education trends. A gas station for the Chemistry Lab has also been approved to enhance practical learning facilities.
The government acknowledged that enrollment in GCW Sopore has declined, while GDC Sopore (Boys) recorded the highest admissions in North Kashmir. However, with admissions now regulated centrally through CUET, colleges no longer have direct control over intake.
The Minister also stated that no formal proposal has been received for introducing courses like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Biotechnology, or Pharmacy. If a request is made, it will be reviewed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020,” she said in her reply.
Regarding faculty shortages, the government admitted that vacancies exist in minor and newly introduced subjects. However, it assured those academic arrangements are in place to prevent disruptions.
“Once the ongoing subject rationalization process is completed, these vacancies will be filled through permanent recruitment,” it said.