Secretary Higher Education, Union Territory of Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha on September 14 visited Government Degree College (GDC) Zanskar and interacted with students, teaching faculty and staff of the institution.

During the visit, the Secretary held a detailed interaction with the college community and sought feedback on the academic environment, available facilities, ongoing initiatives and issues being faced by the institution. Students, faculty members and staff apprised her of their concerns and suggestions, which she heard patiently and attentively.

Dr. Amjad Ali Abbasi, Principal, GDC Zanskar, made a detailed presentation highlighting the college’s achievements, academic progress, innovative initiatives and key challenges.

The Principal briefed the Secretary on the various initiatives undertaken by the college over the years, highlighting its strong academic record and efforts towards expanding opportunities for students in areas such as skill development, vocational education, experiential learning, entrepreneurship, adventure activities and other student-centric programmes.

The presentation also highlighted initiatives tailored to the distinctive geographical and socio-economic context of Zanskar, including the Zanskar Mar initiative, mushroom cultivation in collaboration with the HVT Foundation, and the promotion of Adventure Tourism. The Principal also apprised the Secretary of various challenges requiring administrative intervention.

Bhanu Prabha appreciated the achievements and developmental initiatives of the college and acknowledged the efforts of the Principal, faculty and students towards strengthening the institution and promoting quality higher education in the region.

During the visit, the Secretary also undertook a campus inspection and reviewed the existing academic and administrative facilities, besides taking stock of ongoing construction and infrastructure development works. She assessed the progress of the works and the facilities being developed for the benefit of students and the college community.

Bhanu Prabha assured the college community that the issues and suggestions raised during the interaction would be given due consideration. She also appreciated the collective efforts of the college towards further strengthening higher education and creating greater opportunities for students in the remote region of Zanskar.