Palampur: Locals oppose decision to close degree college

The decision of Himachal Government to merge Multhan College of Chhota Bhanghal has triggered resentment among the local residents. The degree college at Multhan was established on January 31, 2017, with the objective of providing higher education to students from seven panchayats of the remote and backward areas of Chhota Bhangal area in Kangra district and seven panchayats of the Chohar Valley in Mandi district. There was no degree college nearby, therefore former CM Virbadhra Singh announced to open a new college in snow bound belt of Chhota Bhanghal. The college began functioning in June 2017 with 61 students enrolled.

The college has been operating from a hostel building constructed by the former Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh who used to visit here regularly. Last year, the government sanctioned ?5 crore for the construction of a new building for the college. A few months ago, work to dismantle the old structure had also begun.

The recent decision of Sukhu government to merge the college has not been accepted by the people of the area. With the merger, students from Chhota Bhangal will now have to travel approximately 35 kilometers to Jogindernagar to pursue higher education.

Zila Parishad member Pavna Devi and members of public welfare organisations, including Chunni Lal, Shastri, Krishan Kant, Durga and Guddu, have stated that both the previous and present governments failed to address the shortage of teaching staff in this college therefore strength of the students remained low. They argued that if adequate faculty were appointed, student enrollment would have increased.

MLA Kishori Lal has said that he will take up the matter with the Chief Minister.