Today, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the new complex of Government Degree College (GDC) Purmandal in Samba district, calling it a significant milestone for higher education in the region and a proud moment.
Highlights from the Inauguration
Chief Minister Abdullah praised Minister Sakeena Itoo for her dedication to the health and education sectors, specifically citing her efforts in appointing new doctors and assistant professors and upgrading schools. He also responded to student demands, assuring action on the introduction of new academic courses and emphasizing the crucial role of health and higher education in societal development.
He articulated a vision for the Jammu region to become a hub for tourism, particularly religious tourism, to improve local communities’ lives. The Chief Minister also committed to prioritizing road development in the area.
Vision for Education in J&K
Abdullah expressed his goal for Jammu and Kashmir to attract students from outside the region, stating his mission wouldn’t be fulfilled until then. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by local students studying abroad, especially during global crises, and thanked the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister for facilitating the safe return of students from Iran. He further committed to upgrading government schools in Jammu and Kashmir to higher standards.
The Chief Minister stressed that government jobs alone cannot solve unemployment, asserting that “real change will come when our students are trained in world-class skills.” He hopes that on his next visit, GDC Purmandal will offer more streams and rank among the top educational institutions in J&K.
J&K Bank’s Contribution and Other Speakers
During the event, Chief Minister Abdullah handed over keys for five buses donated by J&K Bank under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to five Government Degree Colleges in the Jammu division. He commended the bank’s vital role in J&K’s economy and its support for educational infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary thanked CM Abdullah and Minister Itoo for establishing the GDC in a remote area like Purmandal, calling it a transformative step. Minister for Higher Education Sakeena Itoo congratulated the community on the college’s completion, noting the foundation stone was laid in 2013. She also mentioned the recent appointment of over 500 assistant professors to strengthen higher education and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to introducing more subjects and constructing a hostel at the college. She urged the younger generation to combat social issues like drug abuse.
Campus Features and Attendees
Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Shantmanu, detailed the GDC campus features, including plans for a four-story academic block, a large playground, and landscaped surroundings.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Higher Education Sakeena Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Vijaypur Chander Parkash Ganga, MLA Gulabgarh Er Khurshid Ahmad, Additional Chief Secretary Higher Education Department Shantmanu, ACS to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Director Colleges, Deputy Commissioner Samba, and the Principal of GDC Purmandal.
