8 Years On, Soibugh Degree College in Budgam remains incomplete

Arif Rashid
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24 Apr 2026

‘Students suffer in the absence of proper infrastructure’

Budgam, 23 April: Nearly eight years after construction began, the Government Degree College (GDC) in Soibugh area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district remains unfinished, compelling students to attend classes in a Government Higher Secondary School with limited infrastructure.

Locals said the project, launched in 2018, has witnessed minimal progress, with only basic foundational work completed so far. Residents expressed concern that the prolonged delay is adversely affecting access to higher education in the area.

“Students from Soibugh and nearby villages are facing immense difficulties due to the non-completion of the college building,” said a local resident, urging authorities to expedite the construction process.

At present, the college operates from just six rooms within a school building, where space and facilities are inadequate. Residents said the institution offers only Arts courses, with nearly 100 students enrolled, while streams such as Science, Medical, and Commerce have not been introduced due to infrastructure constraints.

The lack of academic options has forced many students to seek admissions in colleges in Srinagar and other parts of Budgam, leading to long commutes and added financial burden.

Locals also highlighted that both teaching and non-teaching staff are struggling due to the absence of proper infrastructure, as the college continues to function from a school building under the education department.

Questioning the delay in expanding both infrastructure and academic offerings, residents have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and the district administration to intervene and ensure the early completion of the college building.

Officials could not be contacted for comment at the time of filing this report.