Space crunch mars CUK

Srinagar, Dec 19: Despite the passage of around 14 years, the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) continues to grapple with the space crunch as around 80 percent of the University’s infrastructure is presently operating from make shift arrangements. After its establishment in 2009, the varsity was made functional from rented structures in Srinagar district.
In 2019, the then Varsity administration, on the directions of the divisional administration started shifting the varsity to Ganderbal and was made functional from make shift arrangements.
The construction work was started at a designated site at Tulmula, Ganderbal in 2011 after the transfer of 503 acres of land to higher education department (HED) by the then state cabinet.
However, there is no light at the end of the tunnel despite the passage of around 14 years.
Lamenting over the slow progress of the construction, a CVUK Prof said that the varsity administration had to convert a hospital building and other similar structures to run a university campus.
“And these all structures were worn-out and outdated that is why these buildings were left unused by the parent departments,” the professor said.
Since the CUK was shifted to Ganderbal, it has been functioning from multiple campuses in the district including Green Campus (erstwhile College of Physical Education), Tulmulla Campus (Allotted Site), Nunar Campus (DIET Building), Science and Arts Block (Old District Hospital).
“Around four years have passed since the varsity was shifted to Ganderbal, but there is no development in terms of having a permanent campus of the University at its actual location,” the professor said.
As of now, only 20 percent of the varsity is operating at Tulmula in permanent buildings (Prefab huts) while 80 percent of the University departments are operating from makeshift arrangements.
“Recently, the school of Education which comprises PG Education, B.ED and M.Ed department was shifted to Tulmulla while the rest of the University continues to grapple with space crunch,” the professor said.
A top official of the CUK also admitted that the University was not in position to provide all the facilities to the students which ideally should be available at Central University.
Insiders at the CUK blamed the former VC for delaying the construction of the permanent buildings at the actual site (tulmulla) which later bounced back at the varsity administration.
“The former VC delayed the construction and approached the GoI with the plea that the land at the construction site was of poor quality. Following this, an expert committee of experts was constituted to ascertain the matter,” an official said, adding that the committee censured the former VC holding this ‘flawed view’.
“The committee pulled the varsity administration and said that construction can be done at any place if people make use of the right technology,” the official said.
Besides the already 503 acres of land transferred to CUK, the Government last year, provided an additional land of 90 to 94 Kanals to the University.
“But till date no construction has been started at this additional land due to which students are suffering,” the University official said.
A top official from the CUK administration said the varsity was giving its efforts to construct all the buildings at the actual site.
“But it will take some two to three years to complete construction of all buildings and after that we can shift to our permanent campus,” the official said.