Legislator Expresses Deep Concern Over Just 18 Out of 47 Faculty Present, Principal Absent for 5 Days; Highlights Need for Immediate Flood Relief & Questions Darbar Move’s Fiscal Prudence
- MLA Akhnoor, Mohan Lal, conducted a surprise inspection at Government Degree College (GDC) Akhnoor, revealing alarming administrative negligence with only 18 out of 47 teaching faculty members present and the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Romilla Malla, absent for five consecutive days.
- The MLA has escalated the matter to the Higher Education Minister and Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Shri Shantmanu, demanding strict disciplinary action against erring officials, while also highlighting the urgent need for robust healthcare services in Akhnoor, especially for night shifts.
- Mohan Lal critically questioned the Darbar Move’s fiscal prudence, advocating for an e-file-based system for transparency, and pressed the Central Minister and local administration for swift relief and compensation for flood and land erosion victims in Akhnoor.
MOHIT MEHRA
Jammu, October 17, 2025:Â In a stark display of commitment to public accountability, MLA Akhnoor, Shri Mohan Lal Bhagat, today conducted a surprise inspection at Government Degree College (GDC) Akhnoor, uncovering alarming administrative negligence and widespread absenteeism that has cast a shadow over the institution’s academic functioning. The legislator’s visit, which created a stir across the college campus, has prompted immediate calls for strict action from the Higher Education Department and underscored the MLA’s broader efforts to address critical issues ranging from healthcare deficiencies to delayed flood relief in his constituency.
Around 2:00 PM, MLA Mohan Lal arrived unannounced at GDC Akhnoor. His inspection revealed that a mere 18 out of 47 members of the teaching faculty were present for duty, with a significant portion of the non-teaching staff also absent. More startlingly, reliable sources confirmed that the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Romilla Malla, had been absent for five consecutive days, severely disrupting the college’s administrative and academic rhythm. Interacting directly with students and the available staff, the MLA expressed deep concern over the widespread absenteeism, emphasizing his resolve to ensure quality higher education for students, many of whom hail from humble and rural backgrounds.
MLA Mohan Lal has swiftly escalated the matter, bringing it to the notice of both the Honourable Minister for Higher Education and the Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Shri Shantmanu. He has demanded appropriate and immediate disciplinary action against the erring officials and staff members and has requested to be apprised of the steps taken to ensure accountability. This action against educational institutions reflects his broader commitment to enforcing discipline across all government departments.
Beyond education, MLA Mohan Lal underscored the critical need for strengthening healthcare services in Akhnoor. He specifically highlighted the long-standing issue of night-shift doctors at Akhnoor Hospital, where, despite available quarters and facilities, many specialists are allegedly absent, leading to frequent referrals of critical cases to Jammu. “I have raised this repeatedly with the Minister. If they don’t improve, action will be taken,” he stated, indicating his unwavering focus on improving local medical infrastructure.
Responding to the recent devastating floods that caused extensive damage to crops and property in his constituency, MLA Mohan Lal confirmed his relentless pursuit of relief and compensation for victims. He mentioned that the issue of affected farmers and homeowners has been raised with Union Minister Shiv Kumar Singh Chauhan, who has conducted surveys and personally requested expedited relief. The MLA acknowledged the fears among affected residents about receiving timely government assistance, particularly given that the local MLA is from a different political party than the ruling government. However, he assured that “local administration and workers are doing their best” to ensure relief reaches everyone without political bias. He referenced “thousands of Kanals of agricultural land” lost to water erosion, highlighting that this issue has been consistently raised in Assembly meetings and with the Irrigation and Flood Control departments.
In a candid commentary on the administration’s fiscal choices, MLA Mohan Lal critically questioned the recent decision to restore the Darbar Move, which was halted by LG Manoj Sinha in 2021. “This is a waste of money,” he asserted. “In this era of e-filing and technology, the idea of spending crores annually on Darbar Move is fiscally imprudent. Offices can run effectively with modern technology, ensuring transparency.” He reiterated that as a public representative, he felt obligated to voice concerns over expenditures that could otherwise be used for development.
The MLA, a former serving police officer, reflected on his dual roles, stating that whether in government service or as an MLA, his commitment has always been to serve the people of the country with 100 percent dedication. He emphasized his vision for Akhnoor over the next four years, aiming to transform it into a model constituency through robust infrastructure and resource development. “I am trying my best to achieve my goal of serving the people,” he concluded, pledging to ensure that all his manifesto promises are translated into tangible ground realities, with many already in the pipeline. Local residents and students have widely appreciated the MLA’s surprise inspection, viewing such direct monitoring as essential for ensuring discipline, transparency, and accountability in government institutions.
