Outrage Grows Over Closure of Key Subjects at Chail Koti College
The decision to discontinue Commerce and Mathematics at Chail Koti Degree College—the only college in the Kasumpti constituency—has sparked strong resentment among local residents. District Council member Khush Vikram Sen has led the criticism, calling the move a major setback for students across 12 panchayats in the Junga region.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Sen described the decision as unfair and damaging to the educational prospects of local youth. He pointed out that despite having adequate infrastructure, including a science lab, the college has not introduced science courses in the last 12 years. Until now, students were already traveling to Shimla and Solan for science education, but with the removal of Commerce and Mathematics, they will now need to leave the area even for these subjects.
Sen also questioned the state government’s commitment to improving education in the region. Referring to the inauguration of the college on November 26, 2024, he said Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had promised to introduce B.Ed. classes starting from the 2025–26 session. However, that promise remains unfulfilled. He further alleged that other announcements, including a police outpost, a 10-bed Community Health Centre, and a 108 ambulance service in Koti, have yet to materialize.
Demanding immediate corrective action, Sen urged the government to reinstate Commerce and Mathematics courses at the college and to follow through on the promise of starting B.Ed. classes.
He also raised broader concerns about the state of education in the Kasumpti constituency, describing it as one of the most educationally backward areas in Himachal Pradesh. Out of 24 government senior secondary schools in the constituency, only four offer science streams. As a result, very few students—especially from rural areas like Junga—are able to pursue careers in fields such as medicine, engineering, or administrative services. Many students, he said, are forced to discontinue their education after Class 12 due to limited local opportunities.
Despite the Congress party’s long-standing political presence in the constituency, Sen argued that the lack of progress in education continues to hold the region back.
Meanwhile, College Principal Dr. Deepshikha Bhardwaj confirmed that Commerce and Mathematics have been officially discontinued from the current academic session following government orders. She noted that students from the Junga region are still approaching the college for admissions in these subjects, highlighting the continued demand. Currently, only seven students are enrolled in Commerce. She also clarified that the college has not yet received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to begin B.Ed. courses.
The issue has now become a pressing concern for local families, with many hoping the government will reconsider the decision and restore critical educational opportunities in the region.
