Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, IAS, visited Government Degree College (GDC) Drass on June 8 and reviewed the academic and infrastructural developments undertaken by the institution.

He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Drass, Imteeaz Kacho, JKAS; Councillors Abdul Samad and Abdul Wahid; Sub-Divisional Magistrate Drass, Vishal Atri, JKAS; and other administrative officers.

During the visit, the Chief Secretary inspected various facilities, including the newly constructed lecture halls, science laboratories, administrative block, library, girls’ common room and gazetted quarters. He later visited the Academic Block, where he formally released the college’s annual magazine, Himbabs.

As part of the visit, Kundra planted a sapling under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign at the High Altitude Biodiversity Conservation and Research Park. He appreciated the college administration for its initiative to conserve biodiversity and promote research on the indigenous plant species of Drass district.

On the occasion, students who excelled in the Annual Seminar Presentations were felicitated for their academic achievements. The Chief Secretary also honoured the team that secured first position in the Zoological Survey of India Hackathon held in Solan, Himachal Pradesh.

The programme featured a welcome address and a detailed presentation by the Principal highlighting the college’s academic progress, achievements and future plans. A short documentary showcasing the institution’s activities and initiatives was also screened.

During the interaction, representatives of the permanent faculty and faculty engaged under Academic Arrangement submitted memoranda to the Chief Secretary regarding issues related to higher education and faculty welfare.

Addressing the gathering, Kundra appreciated the efforts of the college administration, faculty members and students in promoting quality higher education in the region. He encouraged the institution to continue striving for academic excellence and innovation.

The programme concluded with closing remarks delivered by Deputy Commissioner Drass, Imteeaz Kacho, JKAS.