Srinagar: The academic atmosphere in the Kashmir Valley is currently disrupted due to a significant shortage of faculty in the colleges, as reported by students and officials. The absence of both permanent and contractual faculty members has left many classes unofficially suspended, and the education of numerous students in jeopardy, with the new academic session having started almost a month ago. This shortfall comes amidst preparations for the upcoming assembly elections, further complicating the situation.

According to Kashmir Media Service, students from various government degree colleges across the valley have voiced their concerns over the lack of faculty, which has been a persistent issue affecting their academic progress. The recruitment process for contractual faculty has not been completed, exacerbating the problem. A student from Sopore mentioned, “Majority of the students have been suffering because we do not have teachers in colleges and the contractual staff is not appointed yet.”

It has also been revealed that some permanent faculty members have been reassigned to assist with election duties, thereby depleting the already scarce teaching resources at the colleges. “The permanent faculty is deputed to the office of Returning Officers,” stated an official who preferred to remain anonymous.

Students have expressed their frustration, noting that this is a recurring issue each semester that severely impacts their education. The current situation has forced many students to stay home, with one group stating, “Students have been attending college for a month now and we are sitting home because there is no staff.”

The educational crisis in the Kashmir Valley highlights the challenges faced by the students and raises questions about the administrative measures needed to ensure that educational institutions are adequately staffed and functional, especially during critical periods such as election times.