JAMMU: Minister for Higher Education and School Education, Sakeena Itoo, today informed the House that there is no proposal at present to establish Institute of Hotel Management at Pahalgam. The Minister said this while replying to a question raised by Altaf Ahmad Wani.

The Minister informed that Hotel Management is not offered as a degree program in colleges, adding that it is a professional qualification that requires a distinct academic structure, different from the four-year degree programme currently offered in colleges of the Higher Education Department.

Regarding establishment of Government Degree College at Aishmuqam, the Minister informed the House that Government Degree College with the nomenclature of Pahalgam-Siligam/Aishmuqam was sanctioned in February 2019 and same was established in a makeshift accommodation at Government Boys High School, Aishmuqam.

She added that the district administration had also identified a patch of land for the purpose at Village Akad opposite Akad park. She informed that, due to dispute between the residents of two villages of Siligam and Aishmuqam over the location of the College, the matter resulted in a court case and the High Court has passed stay orders.

The Minister further informed that the academic session 2020-21 had also been started but that came to halt and the enrolled male students were shifted to GDC Boys Anantnag while female students were relocated to GDC for Women, Anantnag. She added that the department is vigorously following the case in the High Court and as soon as case is disposed off, the College shall be made functional within the shortest possible time.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇