The recent approval of Cluster University for Ladakh by State Administrative Council, headed by Governor Satya Pal Malik on December 10 is a step forward to strengthen the higher education in Ladakh. It was approved with an initial grant of ₹65 Crore from the Government of India.

Dr. Stanzin Namgail, Assistant Professor, J&K Higher Education Department said, “Though our demand for the Central University/ Full-fledged University has not been accomplished, but the approval of Cluster University will definitely provide equitable prospect to the students of the region to pursue various undergraduate, post-graduate and diploma courses in different streams and subject through regular mode in the region. Besides, this will empower the colleges of the region to enhance their capacities to become more practical, dynamic, demand driven and quality acquainted”.

He said that in the background of various factors like political, education and social scenario of the region, the establishment of Cluster University is more practical as it will strengthen the existing colleges and give opportunities to the downtrodden students to pursue higher education from the same institution without moving out of the region. 

“Above all, it will pave way for a full-fledged University in Ladakh”, he added.

People of Kargil district expressed unhappiness over the decision declaring Degree College Leh as the lead college. Strong protest triggered with the announcement, demanding full-fledged university for Kargil on December 17 and 18, observing complete shutdown.

Zakir Hussain Sharah, Former President, SEMOK, Kargil said, “ We are not against the grant of Cluster University but the decision to make Degree College, Leh as the lead college ignoring Kargil. More than 3000 students are studying in Degree College, Kargil and the satellite campus of Kashmir University is also functioning better than Leh. Thus we deserve a University.  Both the district should come on one platform to discuss all the issues for holistic development.

He said that the announcement has been made by the Governor without seeing the ground reality and feasibility.

Jegmet Sangyas, Assistant Professor, J&K Higher Education Department said, “From the feasibility point of view, Cluster University may prove an immediate solution for several problems. The experience from running the university for a year or two can make us more efficient and capable enough to run a full-fledged University (Central or State). Moreover, our students in general and existing colleges, in particular, will get the benefits directly from the colleges becoming constituents of Cluster University.”