Pahalgam, Mar 20 (KNO): A dispute between two villages in the Pahalgam constituency over the location of a proposed degree college has led to a court case, resulting in the allocation of funds being put on hold, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was informed on Thursday.
In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani, the government, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), confirmed that a Government Degree College for Pahalgam-Siligam/Aishmuqam was sanctioned through Government Order No. 48-HE on February 5, 2019. Initially, the college was set up in temporary accommodation at the Government Boys High School in Aishmuqam.
The government said the district administration had identified a suitable piece of land for the college in Village Akad, opposite Akad Park. However, a dispute arose between the residents of the two villages—Siligam and Aishmuqam—over the college's location. As a result, a court case was initiated, and the Hon'ble High Court issued stay orders.
Due to this legal issue, no funds have been allocated for the college, the government said.
"The academic session for 2020-21 had begun but was interrupted, which caused enrolled male students to be transferred to Government Degree College (GDC) Boys Anantnag, while female students were sent to GDC for Women in Anantnag," it said.
The government said it is actively pursuing the case in the High Court, and once the legal matter is resolved, it plans to make the college operational as quickly as possible.
The government also clarified that there is currently no proposal to establish an Institute of Hotel Management in Pahalgam. "Hotel management is offered as a professional qualification, which requires a different academic structure than the four-year degree programmes provided by colleges in the Higher Education Department," it said—(KNO)