The recently released list of newly introduced academic subjects in Government Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir has left many students and professionals disheartened. Hospitality and Tourism, a subject deeply connected with the region’s economy and employment potential, has once again been excluded — despite repeated appeals from aspiring and qualified candidates.

As someone holding a degree in Tourism, I write this not only as an individual but on behalf of several deserving candidates across Jammu and Kashmir — many of whom have completed Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even PhD degrees in Hospitality and Tourism. Despite being highly qualified, they continue to face disappointment due to the lack of subject inclusion in Government Degree Colleges. Their skills remain underutilized, and their academic careers remain stalled — not due to a lack of merit, but due to a lack of opportunity.
Tourism is not just an industry in Jammu and Kashmir — it is a way of life. The region is globally known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual destinations. The tourism and hospitality sectors are among the top contributors to the Union Territory’s economy. Yet, our public education system has not responded to this reality. There is a growing disconnect between what our youth are being trained for and the jobs that exist within their own region.
States such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Goa have already integrated Hospitality and Tourism programs into their college curricula. These courses help students develop job-ready skills, contribute to local tourism development, and foster entrepreneurship. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, students interested in these fields are left with limited or unaffordable options, mostly in private institutions.
The absence of Tourism and Hospitality education from government colleges not only restricts students’ opportunities but also undermines the efforts of qualified professionals who have invested years in academic preparation, often hoping to contribute to their communities through teaching or research. Many are now forced to either switch careers or migrate elsewhere for employment.
Introducing Hospitality and Tourism as academic subjects in Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir would be a timely and strategic move — one that strengthens the alignment between education and employability in a tourism-driven economy. It would empower local youth with relevant skills and open up academic opportunities for a large pool of qualified professionals waiting to serve.
It is hoped that the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister will take cognizance of this longstanding concern and facilitate the inclusion of these subjects in public higher education across Jammu and Kashmir. Several written representations have already been submitted to the Higher Education Department by concerned candidates, but the issue remains unresolved.
The academic roadmap of the region must reflect its economic identity. In Jammu and Kashmir, where tourism sustains thousands of livelihoods, there is no justification for excluding it from our college classrooms.

Email:-----------------------ajazdar.scholar@bgsbu.ac.in