With no state-run university, Gurgaon students head to DU

The below par condition of universities and colleges in the city is forcing aspiring graduates to opt for courses in the Delhi University (DU) and other state universities.

The below par condition of universities and colleges in the city is forcing aspiring graduates to opt for courses in the Delhi University (DU) and other state universities despite the limited seats on offer and commuting difficulties.

Gurgaon has five government colleges and several private universities but student are seeking admission elsewhere saying the standards and credibility of there institutions are low. (HT File)

Gurgaon has five government colleges and several private colleges. However, citing high fee and low credibility of private institutes and poor standards of state-run colleges in the city, students say their priority is to get admission in a reputed government institution.

“There are a number of colleges in Gurgaon but none are well recognised or credible. I will be specialising in a field for three years and I want to finish college with satisfaction and not doubts,” said Sahil Chaudhary, who wants to pursue BSc Mathematics.

During a visit to the city in April 2015, chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar had announced universities in all districts of Haryana, the first of which will be set up in Gurgaon. However, a year on, there is barely any progress. Announcements about universities made by previous state governments have also not materialised.

Another student Gaurav Singh, who wants to pursue Economics hons, said, “I do not come from a well-off family and cannot spend lakhs of rupees. The government-run universities are cheaper. If I don’t get through DU, I will apply in other states universities including Punjab, Mumbai and Rajasthan.”

Educationists say the state government should accelerate the process of setting up a university in Gurgaon.

“There are parents who have told me that if a university is not set up here, then they will marry off their daughters. The government has made two announcements but the construction work has not started, leaving the students in doubt,” Dr Ashok Diwaker, former principal of Government Women’s College, Gurgaon, said. Diwaker has launched a campaign to establish a state-run university in Gurgaon.

The district administration, however, said that the land for constructing the university has already been identified and the plans have already been sent for approval to the state education department.

“The administration has already identified land in Gurgaon for the university. The foundation stone will also be laid in a couple of months and soon, the city will have the first state-run university of Haryana,” additional deputy commissioner, Vinay Pratap, said.