Higher education out of reach? Rajwar seeks its own degree college

Kupwara, Mar 2: The demand for the establishment of a Government Degree College in Rajwar area of north Kashmir’s Handwara sub-district is gaining momentum, with residents urging the authorities to take immediate steps to ease the hardships faced by local students.

Locals said Rajwar comprises more than sixty villages, making the setting up of a degree college a pressing necessity rather than a luxury. They argued that the absence of a higher education institution in the area has forced students, particularly from far-flung villages, to travel long distances to pursue their studies.

Students from Upper Rajwar are reportedly the worst affected, as they have to travel over 25 kilometres daily to reach Handwara to attend college. The long commute, coupled with limited transport facilities and harsh weather conditions during winter, often disrupts their academic routine.

Residents said that the majority of families in Upper Rajwar belong to economically weaker sections and find it difficult to bear the additional expenses associated with travel and accommodation. “The people of Upper Rajwar are not financially well-off and are unable to spend heavily on the education of their wards. The authorities must understand the hardships faced by poor students and sanction a college for Rajwar at the earliest,” said a local resident.

They further stated that the absence of a nearby college has resulted in many students, especially girls, discontinuing their education after completing schooling due to safety concerns and financial constraints.

The residents have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene and ensure that a Government Degree College is sanctioned for Rajwar without further delay. They expressed hope that the government will prioritise the educational needs of the area and take concrete steps to strengthen higher education infrastructure in this rural belt.

Locals believe that establishing a degree college in Rajwar would not only boost literacy rates but also contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region.