The purpose of a degree college is to create opportunities, not limitations. Yet, when students cannot find their preferred subjects in their own institution, an important question arises about equal access to higher education.

Introduction

Education is not simply about getting admission, attending classes and passing examinations. It is about having the freedom to choose a field of study, explore one's interests and prepare for a desired future. Every student enters college with different dreams and ambitions. Some want to study Geography, others are interested in History, Economics, Psychology, Mathematics and several other disciplines.
But what happens when students have a college degree in their own area but cannot study the subjects they actually want?
This is a concern that deserves serious attention at Government Degree College (GDC) Thindim Kreeri, Baramulla. As a student, I feel that the limited availability of academic subjects is an issue that should not be ignored. A college should provide opportunities to students, not make them feel that their choices are restricted by the institution's academic limitations.

GDC Thindim Kreeri

GDC Thindim Kreeri is an important educational institution for students from Kreeri and its surrounding villages. It provides an opportunity for local students to pursue higher education close to their homes. However, the range of subjects currently available raises an important concern about whether students are being offered enough academic choices.
The subjects currently taught at the college, as reported by students, include Political Science, Sociology, Food Technology, Environmental science (EVs), Computer Studies, Disaster Management, Health and Wellness, Urdu, Communication, English Literature, Education and Bio-resources, digital technology.
Although these subjects provide different learning opportunities, many students may still have interests in disciplines that are not available at the institution.
The problem is not that the existing subjects lack importance. The problem is that students have different academic interests, and a limited range of subjects cannot fulfil everyone's educational aspirations.
A college may offer education, but does it offer enough choices for every student to shape their future?
This is the question that the concerned authorities need to consider.
Students Should Not Be Forced to Leave Their Local College
One of the biggest concerns is that students who want to pursue subjects unavailable at GDC Thindim Kreeri may have to seek admission in other colleges.
This means that even when a degree college exists in their own area, students may still need to travel to distant institutions to study their preferred disciplines.
For many families, this is not an easy decision. Transportation expenses, travelling time, financial difficulties and family responsibilities can make higher education more challenging.
For students from economically weaker backgrounds and girls facing transportation-related difficulties, the situation can become even more difficult.
Is it fair that a student should have to look for opportunities outside their own area simply because their preferred subject is not available locally?
The presence of a college should ideally reduce educational difficulties for local students. It should not leave them searching elsewhere for basic academic choices.

Are Limited Subjects One Reason Behind Low Student Enrolment?

Another important issue that deserves investigation is student enrollment.
The availability of subjects can influence a student's decision to choose a particular college. When students do not find their preferred disciplines in a nearby institution, they may naturally prefer colleges that offer those subjects.
Limited subject availability may therefore be one of the factors contributing to comparatively low enrolment at GDC Thindim Kreeri.
If additional major subjects were introduced according to students' interests and local demand, more students from Kreeri and neighbouring villages might consider taking admission in their own college.
This could strengthen the academic environment, increase classroom participation and contribute to the overall growth of the institution.
The authorities should examine admission records and collect feedback from students to understand whether the limited availability of subjects is affecting enrolment.
A college cannot attract every student when many of their academic preferences remain unavailable.

Rural Students Deserve Equal Opportunities, Not Fewer Choices

Students from rural areas should have the same academic opportunities as students studying in urban institutions.
Unfortunately, when local colleges offer limited choices, rural students may face additional difficulties. They may have to spend more money on transportation, travel longer distances and manage responsibilities that students studying closer to home may not face.
The situation can be particularly challenging for girls and students from financially weaker families.
Higher education should not become a privilege available only to those who can afford to travel to distant colleges.
The purpose of establishing degree colleges in rural areas is to make education more accessible. Therefore, academic expansion in these institutions should receive serious attention.

What is Missing is Not Just a Subject, but an Opportunity

The absence of a particular subject may appear to be a small academic issue, but for a student who wants to build a future in that discipline, it can become a major obstacle.
A student interested in Geography should have an opportunity to study Geography. A student interested in Economics or Psychology should not have to abandon that preference simply because the subject is unavailable in their local institution.
Subjects such as Geography, History, Economics, Psychology, Mathematics and other relevant disciplines should be considered for introduction at GDC Thindim Kreeri according to student demand, faculty availability and institutional requirements.
The question is not whether every college can immediately introduce every possible course. The question is whether authorities are willing to assess the needs of students and gradually expand academic opportunities.

A Direct Appeal to the Higher Education Department

As a student, I sincerely request the Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department and the concerned authorities to look into the academic structure of GDC Thindim Kreeri.
A proper assessment should be conducted to identify which subjects are unavailable, which disciplines are most demanded by students and what steps are required to introduce them.

The authorities should consider

Introducing additional major subjects according to students' academic interests.
Appointing qualified faculty members for newly introduced disciplines.
Improving classrooms, libraries and other academic facilities.
Conducting surveys to understand students' subject preferences.
Examining whether limited subject choices are affecting student enrolment.
Providing rural colleges with the support required for academic expansion.

Students should not be expected to remain silent about issues that directly affect their educational future. Their concerns deserve to be heard and considered.
I want to make one thing clear: raising this issue does not mean disrespecting the college, its teachers or its administration.
As a student, I want my college to progress. I want more students to take admission here. I want students from nearby villages to find more academic choices in their own institution instead of having to look elsewhere.
Our college has potential, but that potential should be supported through wider academic opportunities, better facilities and the introduction of additional subjects.
Constructive criticism is not a sign of disrespect. It is an effort to highlight problems that deserve solutions.

Conclusion

The success of a college should not be measured only by its existence, but also by the opportunities it provides to students.
GDC Thindim Kreeri deserves academic expansion so that students can pursue their preferred disciplines without unnecessary difficulties. The introduction of more major subjects could attract additional students, strengthen enrolment and improve the institution's contribution to regional education.
The concerned authorities must recognise that students in rural areas have ambitions just like students in cities. They deserve equal choices, equal opportunities and the same freedom to decide their academic future.
I am a student of this institution, and I do not want to see students leaving their local college simply because their preferred subjects are unavailable. I want to see more subjects, more admissions and more opportunities within our own college.
We do not need promises alone; we need academic opportunities. We do not want our choices to remain limited; we want our college to grow.
Our college should not be a place where students adjust their dreams according to available subjects. It should be a place where students find the subjects that help them achieve those dreams.

Email:----------------------------shaziyahassan019@gmail.com