Dr Billal Ahmad Ganaie
The recent debate in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly concerning the state of higher education has brought to the fore an issue of profound importance that demands immediate policy attention. Higher education, universally acknowledged as the backbone of a civilised and progressive society, serves as the foundation for intellectual, cultural, and economic advancement. It is within our universities and colleges that future scholars, innovators, and policymakers are nurtured—those who will ultimately shape the direction of our collective destiny.
However, it is deeply concerning to observe a gradual yet alarming decline in student enrollment across higher educational institutions in the Union Territory. This trend not only reflects changing societal priorities but also reveals structural deficiencies that require urgent introspection. It compels us to ask whether our higher education system continues to remain relevant to the aspirations and needs of the younger generation.
Equally distressing is the precarious condition of highly qualified teaching faculty, particularly those engaged on a contractual or temporary basis. Many among them hold exceptional academic distinctions—NET, JRF, SRF, PhD, Post-Doctorate, and Gold Medals—yet remain without stable employment. This systemic disregard for academic merit has created widespread disenchantment among the teaching community. Furthermore, it has inadvertently generated scepticism among students who question the practical value of pursuing advanced degrees when their mentors, despite possessing the highest qualifications, are left without meaningful engagement.
Such a scenario is not merely an employment issue—it is a crisis of academic confidence. When the very custodians of knowledge are rendered uncertain about their professional futures, the intellectual vitality of the entire education system stands compromised.
Therefore, it is imperative for the government and concerned authorities to revisit and reform existing higher education policies. The focus must shift towards curricular restructuring and the introduction of job-oriented courses that respond to contemporary economic and technological realities. Furthermore, graduation should be made a prerequisite for all government employment, to restore the social and professional value of higher education.
Equally significant is the need to resume teacher recruitment in schools and colleges**, a process that has remained stagnant for years. Opening new avenues of academic employment would not only provide opportunities for deserving scholars but also rekindle interest among students to pursue higher studies.
The health of a society is inseparable from the strength of its educational institutions. Neglecting higher education amounts to weakening the intellectual and moral foundations of our collective future. The recent deliberations in the Assembly should not end as a momentary exchange of concerns but must translate into a comprehensive policy reassessment aimed at revitalising the higher education sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
ri**********@***il.com