JU’s Satellite Campus Doda: Govt hangs fate of 32 aspirants

DODA: The Satellite Campus of Jammu University (JU) at Doda which was inaugurated by former Chief Minister (CM) Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ex-Vice Chancellor (VC) of Jammu University (JU) Prof Amitabh Mattoo has hanged up the fate of 32 female aspirants, who had applied for e-learning course about two years ago. The reasons, sources said, are lack of interest from all those who are concerned and the Government in developing the Satellite Campus of JU at Doda. Since its inauguration, many District Development Board (DDB) meetings have taken place but this particular issue was never raised in any of the meetings neither has anyone from the political circles taken up this issue with the Chief Minister (CM). Sources said that a proposal has been submitted to the Government for the creation of posts and for the other required infrastructure but Govt has adopted a delayed tactics over the proposal submitted. The Satellite Campus has only one fourth class employee at present. In this Satellite Campus office Doda computers have been made available but without staff so from 27/06/2008 to 2010 no classes have been conducted. Initially it was announced that the office was inaugurated with a aim to empower the women of the region by imparting basic knowledge of computer application like accounts maintenance, internet management and office automation. Even application forms were invited for e-learning course for women candidates only. The forms where purchased and submitted by 32 female aspirants after paying Rs 100 as cost of form for 12 advertised seats. The course fee was mentioned as Rs 2000 with basic qualification at 10+2 and it was clearly mentioned that the preference will be given to the candidates with low income group. In total 32 forms were submitted two years ago and the selection was supposed to be made on the basis of screening test but till date the Jammu University(JU) authorities have failed to select 12 candidates. A candidate Shahida Bano said, “We are waiting since 2 years but have not received any intimation. Whenever we ask the concerned about interview they reply with saying-interview card will be posted at your home address.” Another candidate Nusrat Bano and Shabana Iqbal said, “We had hoped that these courses shall be conducted here at Doda rather than at Jammu but government took no steps in our favour. They only said that education shall be provided to students but the ground position is far away from the reality”. With this attitude of the Government, it seems that this project may go defunct, if the required infrastructure and staff is not made available at the earliest. (With inputs from Shezad Firoz)