Budgam: Khag residents demand degree college

Budgam, Aug 22: Residents of various villages in Khag Tehsil of Budgam district have appealed to the government to establish a degree college in the area, citing the absence of higher education institutions locally. They said this deficiency compels students to travel considerable distances to attend colleges in Beerwah and Magam.Speaking to Rising Kashmir, locals said their area is being neglected. “We have repeatedly appealed to the government to provide us with a degree college. Unfortunately, our area continues to be ignored,” said a resident.Javid Ahmad, a student from Khag, said the students face challenges after completing their 12th-grade examinations. “Students have no option but to seek admission in colleges located in Magam and Beerwah. Travelling daily is not only costly but also consumes a lot of time, making it difficult to attend classes regularly,” he said.Khag is considered one of the most remote tehsils in Budgam, with many villages situated near the district’s boundary. Residents said that establishing a degree college in the region would greatly improve access to higher education and provide relief to students.Uzma Jan, another student, said, “If the government sets up a degree college in Khag, it will be a significant boost for students, especially girls, who find it even more difficult to travel long distances every day.” She urged the authorities to consider the hardships faced by students seriously.The locals have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to prioritise the matter and take concrete steps towards establishing a degree college in Khag Tehsil.