Higher education has always served as the backbone of a progressive society. It is in the classrooms and research spaces of colleges and universities that nations produce their thinkers, teachers, scientists, engineers, doctors, innovators, and entrepreneurs. In Jammu & Kashmir, the government has consistently invested heavily in strengthening this vital sector—building infrastructure, modernizing facilities, and expanding academic opportunities.

However, despite these efforts, the Higher Education Department in J&K is currently confronting a worrying trend: a drastic decline in student enrollment across colleges and universities over the past few years. This contrast between increasing investment and decreasing student participation raises fundamental questions about the system’s functioning and reveals deeper loopholes that demand urgent attention.
A major factor contributing to this decline is the uncertainty faced by highly qualified contractual faculty. Educators with NET, JRF, SRF, gold medals, PhDs, and even post-doctoral fellowships are today struggling for stable employment. Their discouraging situation has unintentionally shaped public perception—students increasingly wonder about the purpose of pursuing higher education when their own teachers, despite exceptional qualifications, remain jobless. This skepticism has directly impacted enrollment patterns.
To reverse this trend, the government must revisit its policies and introduce meaningful reforms. Further, Colleges and higher secondary institutions need job-oriented, skill-based courses that align education with real employment prospects. Teacher recruitment, which has remained frozen for years, must be reopened to restore confidence among both teachers and students. Moreover, making graduation mandatory for all government jobs could significantly motivate youth to pursue higher studies.
Addressing these issues promptly will not only rebuild trust in the system but also ensure that higher education in J&K continues to serve as the foundation of societal progress.

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