SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir is mulling to start classes on double shifts in its bid to grapple with the increasing rush of aspirants for different courses.
“We are considering the option of starting double shift. In fact, we have already started working on it,” Registrar of the university Prof Zaffar Reshi told Kashmir Reader on Friday.   
The university at present has an intake capacity of 3,000 for its 40 post-graduate departments. The intake capacity was actually lesser until 2009 when it was controversially increased from 2100 but without upgrading the existing infrastructure.  And since then, the number of applicants has been rising by the year.
This year, 40,000 candidates have applied for the PG courses. It is almost 15 times the number of seats available in the varsity. The grand mismatch between the seats available and applications received was evident in the past also.
The varsity authorities are seeking approval to the double shift plan from various departments whose infrastructure or manpower limitations could hamper it.
“Many departments have already given their nod. Once all the departments agree to it, we will move the proposal to the government for consideration,” Prof Reshi said.
“If all goes well, the first shift will be from 10 am to 4 pm and the second shift from 4 pm to 6 pm. We will also consult students for the shift timings,” he added.
The university has already established satellite campuses in various areas of north and south Kashmir districts and also in Leh division to meet the rush of the PG aspirants.
Meanwhile, many students have opposed the double shift proposal, saying there is a dire need to expand the infrastructure before going ahead with such ambitious programmes.
“Already students who are enrolled at the varsity are studying in classrooms that are cramped as they were set up for half the number of students’ than the current intake. There is also a dearth of permanent faculty as well as teaching equipment for various courses, some of which are technical in nature,” a student of the university’s Business School told Kashmir Reader.
“Majority of the students that are currently enrolled or apply here, belong to far flung areas of the Valley. How does the university expect them to stay at their varsity till 6 or 7 pm? And most of them can’t reside in hostels because the hostels are already overbooked,” the student added.