Former MLA and BJP state executive member Ravi Thakur criticised the decision, calling it an injustice to students of the region. Rejecting the government’s argument that low enrolment justified the closure, he said the decline in student numbers was the result of years of neglect and inadequate staffing.“The college was not provided sufficient teaching faculty, especially in the science stream, forcing many students to pursue higher education outside the district. After failing to strengthen the institution, the government cannot now cite low enrolment as a reason for shutting it down,” Thakur said.He pointed out that the college was established during the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government to make higher education accessible to students in the tribal region. “It is unfortunate that the same party is now moving to close the institution,” he added.Newly elected Zila Parishad members Rubdae from Udaipur ward, Suresh Kumar from Warpa and Shashi Kiran from Keylong also opposed the decision, describing Kukumseri College as a vital institution for tribal students.
मुख्य विवरण
They said it remains the district’s only major higher education centre and fulfils a long-standing demand of local residents.“We will not allow the closure of this college and will urge Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to reconsider the decision. The future of students in this remote district is at stake,” they said.Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana has also taken up the issue with the Chief Minister. During a meeting in Shimla on Friday, she requested him to withdraw the notification regarding the closure of the college.“The Chief Minister has assured me that he will look into the matter. I am hopeful that a decision in the interest of students will be taken,” Rana said.In a letter to the Chief Minister, Rana argued that Lahaul and Spiti’s sparse population, difficult terrain, harsh winters and limited connectivity make it inappropriate to assess educational institutions solely on enrolment figures.