Leh, Sept 13: The All Ladakh Students Welfare Association Jammu (ALSWAJ) today staged a protest demonstration against the administration, expressing anger over the delay in the admission process for Kargil students to boys’ and girls’ hostels located in Channi Rama, Jammu.
ALSWAJ President, Md. Hassanain, speaking to The Earth News, criticized the administration for failing to initiate the admission process, which typically begins in the first week of August each year. “The notification for Kargil Hostels (Boys and Girls) admissions would usually be issued by early August, but this year, the process hasn’t started yet for reasons known only to the authorities,” Hassanain said.
He further revealed that after multiple approaches to the Chief Education Office, the association received a notice indicating that the admission process for the Kargil Boys Hostel would start on September 10, 2024. However, as of today, no action has been taken.
The ALSWAJ had previously been responsible for handling the admission process, but this year, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) took charge without consulting the association, leading to confusion and delays. According to Hassanain, the girls’ hostel has already declared itself full, while the boys’ hostel admissions have stalled, and all of this has occurred without an official notification being issued.
Frustrated with the lack of progress, the association lodged several complaints with officials, including Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Dr. Jaffar Akhoon, and Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Srikant Balasaheb Suse (IAS). Despite repeated requests, no action has been taken by either official. “It is highly unfortunate that neither the Hon’ble Chairman LAHDC nor the Deputy Commissioner have responded to our genuine demands,” Hassanain remarked.
In addition to the delayed admissions, Hassanain raised concerns about the construction quality of the student hostels. He alleged that substandard materials were used during the construction of the girls’ hostel and the renovation of the boys’ hostel, leading to early deterioration of the buildings.
Demanding an investigation, the ALSWAJ president called for a CBI inquiry into the matter and urged authorities to take action against corrupt officials. He also demanded that the contractor responsible for the construction be booked under relevant laws.
The protest reflects the growing discontent among Ladakh students over administrative inefficiencies and corruption, with many students now awaiting a timely resolution to their hostel admission issues.
Meanwhile, in response to student protests over delays in hostel admissions, the Ladakh Hill Development Council, Kargil, has issued an official admission notice for the Kargil Boys Hostel in Jammu. The notice comes as a relief for students from the district of Kargil, pursuing education in Jammu, who had expressed concerns about the delayed admission process.
According to the order, regular students from the Central University of Jammu, Jammu University, and its affiliated colleges, who belong to Kargil district, can now apply for hostel admissions for the academic year 2024-2025. Additionally, students of classes 11th and 12th, studying in various schools across Jammu, are also eligible for admission.
The new admission process will begin on September 17, 2024, and the deadline for submitting applications is set for September 30, 2024. Students interested in securing a place at the hostel are advised to fill out the application form available online at the official Kargil Boys Hostel website: https://wvAv.kargilboyshostel.co.in.
Additionally, students preparing for competitive exams such as IAS, SSC, Banking, NEET, and JEE are required to submit a Bonafide certificate from a recognized coaching institute.
The decision to commence the admission process follows the students’ protests demanding a resolution to the delay in hostel admissions. The Hill Council’s swift action is expected to alleviate the concerns of students and their families, ensuring a smooth transition into the new academic year.
