The dearth of professional colleges and universities in private sector in Kashmir is forcing annual flight of capital amounting to Rs 1800 crore.
According to an assessment report compiled by the PrivateSchools Association of Kashmir around 11000 students leave J&K for otherstates of the country to get professional education.
The question remains why the state government is notallowing the local businessmen to invest in education sector so that they couldestablish colleges, universities in Kashmir which could boost employmentopportunities in investment starved Valley.
A senior higher education department official said thatpromoting investment in higher education and professional courses in Kashmirneeds a clear cut policy such as a single window clearance system.
“Under ease of doing business, there has to be a mechanismin Kashmir that anybody having requisite infrastructure and capital in placeshould be allowed to establish quality educational institutions which couldhold students back in the state and arrest the flight of capital,” he said.
“Earlier though there was a proposal in this regard duringPDP-BJP regime. But there was no forward movement”.
Chairman, Private Schools Association of Kashmir, G. N Varsaid Kashmiri businessmen, entrepreneurs, academicians have resources to openworld-class colleges and universities in Kashmir, but it is the government thathas been repeatedly blocking any such move.
“Right now there are around 100 files pending in governmentoffices for want of clearance for the establishment of private colleges,” saidVar. “Such is the seriousness of the government that they are yet to bringprivate universities Act. Everybody knows how they thwarted attempts toestablish Transworld University despite everything being ready.”
Chairman, Joint coordination committee of private schools,Showkat Chowdhary said that government is not sincere in allowing the privateeducation sector to flourish.
“We had submitted a proposal to the state government thatthey should earmark a place in Kashmir where higher education institutions willbe developed by private players. But our pleas have met cold response,” saidChowdhary.
He said that there is no dearth of investment in educationsector but government should give permission for it. “It would be good for oureconomy as well as give boost to chances of employment in the state”.