Kargil, May 11: Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education/Technical Education and Social & Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, Padma Angmo Saturday visited Government Degree College (GDC), Drass.

She was accompanied by Additional Secretary, Higher Education, Imteeaz Kacho, Director College Affairs, Tashi Ldawa and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Drass, Vishal Atri.

In his welcome speech, Principal GDC, Drass, Dr. Amjad Ali Abassi highlighted the achievements of the college and highlighted opportunities and facilities provided by the College. He lauded the efforts of Commissioner/ Secretary, Higher Education, Padma Angmo, Additional Secretary, Higher Education, Imteeaz Kacho, PWD, College Administration and locals for their endeavors in the successful relocation of the College Campus to its new site and expressed happiness in this regard . Further, he expressed hope that the ongoing construction work will be completed soon.

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In her address, the Commissioner/Secretary, Padma Angmo congratulated the principal, faculty and students for relocating to the new College Campus. She appreciated the role of the Principal for achieving this feat. The Commissioner/Secretary also emphasized the need to deliver excellence in both academics and skills right from the outset.

While congratulating the College Administration and students for shifting to the new campus, Additional Secretary, Higher Education, Imteeaz Kacho appreciated the efforts of Commissioner/ Secretary, Higher Education, Padma Angmo for her sincere efforts towards improvement in the higher education sector. On the occasion, Kacho also urged the college students, especially first time voters, to cast their votes on the day of polling i.e.polling day.  

SDM Drass, Vishal Atri also expressed happiness over shifting of the College Campus to the new site and hoped that in near future the college will grow more and more and shine in academics. He said the administration is always available to extend all possible support to the college.

Notably, the second edition of the College’s Newsletter (2024) ‘Himbabs’ was released by the Commissioner/Secretary and a short documentary on the college, highlighting it’s journey was also screened. Cultural songs and cultural dances were also presented by the students. Assistant Professor, English, Mohammad Ali Shabir presented the vote of thanks on the occasion.

In order to discuss student-related matters, an interaction session was also held in the seminar hall. The Commissioner/ Secretary threw light on various issues, suggested remedial measures and assured the students that she will look into the grievances highlighted. 

Another interactive meeting regarding academics and service matters was also held with faculty and staff.

Earlier, a ceremonial plantation was held and Ladakh Skill Centre (Pickle Making Lab) was inaugurated by the Commissioner/Secretary.She interacted with students in the lab and inquired about the course. Asserting the importance of skills, she encouraged students to familiarize themselves with skill courses. 

The Commissioner/Secretary also inspected the library, physics, zoology, botony, geology and computer labs and evaluated the facilities available for the students.

Padma Angmo also inspected ongoing construction projects in the College Campus. She thoroughly examined the quality and progress of work in the Administrative Block, Academic Block, Boys & Girls Hostel buildings and staff quarters. She directed the executing agency to complete the pending work at the earliest and reiterated that every building must be winter friendly considering the harsh climatic conditions of Drass. 

Later, the Commissioner/Secretary also inspected the Anganwadi Centres of Drass Sub-Division in Throngos, Toko Chokiyal and Choungdose and directed the Supervisors and Workers to maintain the Poshan Tracker register, hygiene snack and weight & height measurements.