Tasleem Javid Wani ChilliPingal
The recent decision taken by State Administrative Council under the chairmanship of Jammu and Kashmir Governor Shri Satya Pal Malik regarding opening of 50 New Govt Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir is presently the most welcomes decision. It was rather a gift that governor has given away to the people of state.
Although, it has been categorically mentioned in the Govt order issued that how and where to establish all these colleges. But when it comes to 30 colleges kept for un-served areas, here the appointed committee for it has to take a due care of all the regions and areas in need of colleges.
Going region specific here, Chenab Valley has some most un-served areas like ChilliPingal, Bunjwah, Kahara and other areas.
ChilliPingal is comprised of 18 Panchayats, 02 CD Blocks and even having status of Tehsil headquarter. It is one of the most backward and under developed sub-region within Doda District with rigged topography and lesser connectivity. This area has two oldest higher secondary’s one at Chilli and the other at Jakyas.
Population is around 45000 among which ST population is 35 percent and SC population 10 percent. More than 80 percent among the whole population are falling under Below Poverty Line category. Not only this 12th pass out students when have to join any college for further studies have to travel around 30 kms if they join GDC Kilhotran and 45 kms if they join GDC Thathri which is quite a humongous task to do as there is no proper transportation facility in this area. This brings misfortune for more than 80 percent of these students as they have to discontinue their studies which spoils their careers. So drop-out rate at this stage is very high in the whole state of Jammu and Kashmir and which is highest among female students. Safety concern of girls is also a reason for more drop-outs among female students.
This area has also remained most militancy hit area for two long decades which further added to the adversaries of people. Now as pursuing higher education is everyone’s dream and as present Govt is much concerned about the promotion of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir especially in rural areas, the appointed committee for the identification of un-served areas and then making recommendations forward, should put Chilli Pingal into top of the list of un-served areas so that the public of this area can get Govt Degree College on priority basis. It is also to be brought into kind notice of Hon’ble Governor Jammu and Kashmir to sanction the said college in order to fulfill the long cherished demand of Public of Chilli Pingal.
{The author is resident of ChilliPingal and is Chairman of Shaheen Trust)
