GDC Anantnag turns 75; Education minister, lawmakers renew push for ‘Deemed University’ status
Anantnag, Nov 13: The Government Degree College (GDC) Shaheed Himayun Muzammil Anantnag celebrated its 75th foundation day Thursday, with Education Minister Sakeena Itoo announcing that the government will send a proposal to the University Grants Commission (UGC) seeking autonomous status for the historic institution - a key step towards deemed university recognition.
“I don’t want to make promises that we can’t fulfil later,” Itoo told alumni, students and faculty during the platinum jubilee celebrations. “We have to understand that we are a Union Territory and not a state, so there are certain limitations. However, a proposal will be moved to the UGC for autonomous status. It is necessary for the process of a deemed university.”
Her remarks came after senior legislator M.Y. Tarigami urged the government to acknowledge the college’s legacy and role in shaping higher education in South Kashmir.
“This college is one of the oldest and largest in the region. Even three generations from the same family have studied here,” Tarigami said. “It deserves to be elevated to a deemed university. All of us, cutting across political lines, are united in this demand.”
He appealed to Itoo and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Higher Education Shantamanu, who was also present, to “consider the aspirations of the people of South Kashmir and the alumni community.”
Itoo said that her father, the late Wali Muhammad Itoo, was also an alumnus, and said the college depicts the vision of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, then prime minister of J&K.
“The college was established when Sheikh Sahib was the prime minister. Even after 75 years, we have enough space to expand it,” she said. “Today, when we propose new colleges, finding land is difficult. But this institution stands as a testament to Sheikh Sahib’s vision for education.”
She added that despite the growth of higher education across South Kashmir, “students still prefer to study here. This college has maintained its standard. “Other colleges should make it a benchmark.”
Dr Fayaz Ahmad, a prominent alumnus and chemistry professor, described the college as a “cradle of knowledge” for South Kashmir.
“This institution shaped who I am today,” Ahmad said. “It allowed thousands of students from villages and small towns to dream big. The call for autonomous and deemed university status is not just emotional; it’s well deserved.
Established in 1950 as an intermediate college, GDC Anantnag became a degree college in 1961–62 and received 2(f) and 12(B) recognition from the UGC in 1972. Spread over 250 kanals, it is among northern India’s largest campuses. After the 10+2+3 system was introduced in 1983–84, the 11th and 12th classes were delinked, and the IGNOU Study Centre (1211) was set up in the 1980s.
Renamed Shaheed Himayun Muzammil College in 2023, it now enrols more than 4,000 students and offers a range of undergraduate programs, including BA (Hons) English Literature, BA, BCom, BCA, Bachelor of Mass Media and Mass Communication (BMMMC), and BSc IT.
For decades, it was South Kashmir’s only higher education institution until new colleges opened in Pulwama, Shopian, Tral, and Kulgam, along with a women’s college in Anantnag. Today, there are eight degree colleges in Anantnag district, but GDC Anantnag remains a top choice for students and offers residential facilities for those from remote areas.
ACC, Shantamanu, congratulated the college on the platinum jubilee and assured all possible support .“ Our focus is to introduce more skill-oriented courses in the colleges as per NEEP guidelines,” he said.
Director of Colleges, Dr Sheikh Ajaz Bashir and Principal Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Malik said that they aim to make the college “more vibrant and academically stronger.”
A documentary by the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, highlighting the college’s achievements and alumni who excelled in various fields, was screened during the event, followed by a cultural program.
Students who excelled in academics, sports, and the arts were also felicitated.
“This celebration is not just about the past 75 years,” the Principal said. “It’s about honouring our legacy while preparing our students for the future.”
