First meeting of the expert committee constituted to examine various aspects related to the setting up of Engineering College in Kargil was convened by Commissioner/Secretary Higher Education Ladakh, Rigzin Samphel on November 19.

Administrative Secretary Law and Justice, Ladakh, Preetpal Singh; Dean School of Engineering, Kashmir University, Prof S. Muzaffar Ali Andrabi; Chief Engineer CPWD, Ladakh; Registrar University of Ladakh, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Ladakh, Deputy Director Accounts and Treasuries Ladakh besides other concerned officers attended the meeting.

Detailed discussion on the preparation of DPR and plan for setting up of the Engineering College, name of the college, affiliating University, courses to be offered, intake capacity, mode of admission, courses and fee structure, syllabus, and other related aspects were carried out.

Members also put forth their suggestions on the issues of engagement and salary of the contractual staff and preparation of statutes for the Engineering College. 

As regards to the identification of land, the committee unanimously decided to propose the land already identified by the office of the Deputy Commissioner/ CEO, LAHDC, Kargil at Kilingmo Thang Pashkum close to Kargil Town after due approval from LAHDC, Kargil. 

Rigzin Samphel directed the Chief Engineer CPWD to conduct an inspection of the identified site and submit the report in this regard at the earliest besides also formulating a DPR in consultation with the Dean School of Engineering, Kashmir University & LAHDC, Kargil. The CPWD was also directed to project the mobilization charge to carry out/ start the work so that the Department of Higher Education could release the funds. 

Regarding the preparation of statutes, members put forth their suggestions and the Commissioner Secretary Higher Education asked the Dean School of Engineering, Kashmir University to furnish the draft statutes which would be reviewed and sent to the Law Department for further course of action. 

Regarding the launch of B.Tech programmes, Dr. Ali Andrabi proposed that 5 core subjects of Engineering including Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering are proposed to be introduced in the new Engineering College from next year by using the available infrastructure at Degree College Kargil and University Campus Khumbathang, Kargil.

The Commissioner Secretary said that the proposal shall formally be placed before the Lieutenant Governor Ladakh for perusal. Underlining the need to ensure a proper plan to chalk out further course of action, the Commissioner Secretary stressed that the committee will have frequent meetings in the coming days.