Asif Iqbal Naik
Early Times Report
Kishtwar, May 21: A day after Early Times highlighted the alleged encroachment of about 33 kanals of land of government degree college (GDC), Kishtwar, deputy commissioner Ghulam Nabi Balwan today directed the college principal to submit details of the land actually allotted to the institution.
The encroached land is valued at Rs 20 cr. The DC, after taking cognizance of the news report, directed the principal to submit him all relevant documents available with him regarding the total land acquired by the government for the college.
The DC also summoned the officials of collector land acquisition, besides directing the tehsildar, Kishtwar, to produce the record of the GDC land. When contacted, Principal of Government Degree College, Kishtwar, Dr Shafqat Rafiqui confirmed to "Early Times" that the DC had directed him to produce the record pertaining to the college land. He said whatever record and documents were available with the college would be provided to DC by Monday.
In response to a question regarding the total area of land encroached by people, he said he could only comment on it after studying the documents. Meanwhile, revenue officials informed Early Times that the land encroached by people, including 24 ft road for those living in and around the college vicinity, cost approximately Rs 20 cr. It is pertinent to mention that the fresh attempt to grab college land was reported a couple of days ago when a bid was made to encroach an approximately eight marlas of college land kept reserved for the construction of college guest house.
As per sources, the GDC had approximately 123 kanals of land, but 33 kanals of it had been encroached by the people. The college, which was established after a lot of struggle and loss of three lives, is now facing official apathy in terms of non availability of infrastructure, facilities to students, shortage of staff and funds for its overall development. |
