GMC Handwara in limbo, delay in relocation raises fears of de-recognition
Kupwara, Jun 1: Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara is staring at an uncertain future as official indecision over land relocation threatens the viability of the entire project. Despite the government’s announcement five months ago of a high-level committee to identify alternative land, no final site has been approved, raising alarm over the potential de-recognition of the institution.
The college, announced as a transformative healthcare project for the border district of Kupwara, has faced logistical and administrative roadblocks since inception. While construction at the originally allotted site commenced earlier, issues related to its feasibility including accessibility, terrain, and safety necessitated a rethink and the constitution of a fresh committee to evaluate alternate locations.
The committee, chaired by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, included representatives from various departments including Public Works, Health and Medical Education, Agriculture, Revenue, SKUAST-Kashmir, Jal Shakti, and the Power Development Department. Their mandate was clear: identify and secure a site spanning a minimum of 200 kanals that complies with National Medical Commission (NMC) standards and accommodates future expansion.
According to official sources, the committee inspected three sites proposed by the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, but failed to reach consensus. A final decision is yet to be taken.
"There has been no follow-up from the government after the initial visits. No site has been officially notified. This silence is concerning," said a senior faculty member at GMC Handwara, requesting anonymity. Officials warn that the delay could have serious repercussions. Without a permanent campus and supporting infrastructure, the college risks losing recognition from the National Medical Commission.
"If de-recognition happens, it will not only jeopardize the careers of existing students but also dent the hopes of thousands of aspiring medical professionals in the region," said a senior official in the Health and Medical Education Department.
Currently, GMC Handwara functions out of rented accommodations. Two MBBS batches; First Year and Second Year; comprising 100 students each, attend classes and reside in private buildings. Around 70 senior and junior residents each also live in rented quarters with minimal facilities. The arrangement, according to insiders, is unsustainable, especially with new batches expected in the upcoming academic session.
"There is no proper lecture hall, no hostel, no staff quarters. Faculty members are working under enormous strain. The quality of education is suffering," said one junior resident.
Adding to the concern is the fate of the sanctioned nursing college. Six years after its approval, there is still no infrastructure in place for its establishment, making it a non-starter. This has further deepened the sense of neglect among the local population.
"The way the government is handling GMC Handwara is deeply disappointing," said Mohammad Iqbal Dar, a resident of Handwara town. "Kupwara has been historically overlooked in terms of healthcare infrastructure. GMC Handwara was seen as a game-changer, but the way it is being treated now makes us feel betrayed," he added.
Opposition parties and local civil society groups have also criticized the administration for its apathy. Repeated appeals for intervention have gone unanswered.
Sources indicate that the main hurdle is disagreement among local representatives on the choice of site. "Until there is political consensus, bureaucratic machinery will remain stuck. This is unfortunate because the stakes are too high," said a senior bureaucrat.
Experts argue that swift action is needed if the project is to be salvaged. "The government must act with urgency and transparency. A technical project of this nature requires long-term planning, not adhocism," said a public health policy expert based in Srinagar.
With critical infrastructure still missing, and no clarity on the way forward, the fate of GMC Handwara hangs in the balance. Residents fear that without timely intervention, the project may collapse entirely, taking with it the hopes of a region already grappling with limited access to advanced medical care.
"If the government is truly serious about uplifting north Kashmir, it must stop dithering and expedite the relocation process in accordance with NMC guidelines," said a faculty member. "Every delay is a step closer to disaster," he added.
As the academic calendar inches forward and student intake rises, the absence of basic facilities, administrative commitment, and a clear roadmap may turn what was once a dream project for Kupwara into a monumental policy failure.
Meanwhile, Peoples Conference Chairman and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Handwara Sajad Gani Lone told Greater Kashmir that earlier, he had raised this matter in the Legislative Assembly, requesting that the Chief Minister’s Office coordinate with all the departments involved. "I also met the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and urged him to intervene. It was he who ensured that the funds, which were about to lapse, did not go unutilised. However, I am not sure whether formal orders have been issued in this regard" he said.
"The current regime is not delivering on its responsibilities. I am convinced that either they are unwilling to work or simply incapable of doing so. This is not just limited to GMC Handwara. The inefficiency extends across all departments" Lone said. " As far the identification of land is concerned, I don't think the government has done it yet " Lone added.
When Greater Kashmir brought this issue into the notice of Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, he said that the land has been identified for relocation of GMC Handwara and the construction work will start soon. He however didn't disclose the location where government is intending to relocate GMC Handwara.
