Vishal Nehria
In 2009, the Government of India bestowed upon Himachal Pradesh the historic opportunity of establishing a Central University. The university was initially approved for the Dharamshala region. Since land for the permanent campus was not available at that time, academic activities commenced in buildings owned by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. Classes for various academic programmes were started at the Government B.Ed. College in Dharamshala and the Government College in Shahpur. For more than fifteen years, these two campuses have played a significant role in providing quality higher education to thousands of students.
Today, as work towards the permanent campus of the Central University is progressing, it is imperative to seriously consider the future of these heritage campuses in Dharamshala and Shahpur. It is my firm belief that, instead of being discontinued, these campuses should be developed as permanent regional campuses of the Central University so that the academic activities already being conducted here continue uninterrupted.
The importance of these campuses extends far beyond education. Over the years, they have also become a vital source of livelihood for the local community. Many families depend on students through paying guest accommodations, small hotels, eateries, stationery shops, and other businesses. If academic activities at these campuses are discontinued in the future, the adverse impact will not only be felt by students but will also significantly affect the local economy.
The State Government should coordinate closely with the Government of India to ensure that the heritage campuses at Dharamshala and Shahpur are preserved as regional campuses of the Central University. If required, options such as transferring these buildings to the Central University may also be considered positively. Just as Himachal Pradesh University successfully operates regional campuses across different parts of the state, the Central University should likewise establish regional campuses in Dharamshala, Shahpur, Nurpur, Chamba, and other parts of Himachal Pradesh. Such a model would strengthen higher education and provide better educational opportunities to the youth within the state.
From a tourism perspective, this initiative would also be highly significant. The State Government has consistently expressed its vision of developing Kangra district as the Tourism Capital of Himachal Pradesh. By integrating education with tourism, the region can emerge as a strong centre for knowledge, research, and tourism, thereby generating new momentum for the local economy.
During my tenure as MLA, I accorded top priority to the land transfer process for the permanent campus of the Central University and ensured that the necessary formalities were completed. The demarcation of land, survey work, identification of the proposed sixteen polygons, and coordination with the concerned departments were undertaken, and all required documentation was prepared and submitted for further action. After years of sustained efforts, these initiatives eventually resulted in the required approvals being secured.
Even now, certain formalities relating to the transfer of forest land remain pending. In particular, financial obligations associated with tree felling and forest land diversion have contributed to delays in the process. If the State Government accords priority to this matter by promptly depositing the required funds and strengthening coordination with the Government of India, the construction of the permanent campus can proceed at a much faster pace.
I respectfully urge the State Government not to view this issue merely as the construction of new buildings, but to take the historic decision of preserving the heritage campuses at Dharamshala and Shahpur by developing them as permanent regional campuses of the Central University. Such a step would generate long-term benefits for higher education, employment, local businesses, tourism, and balanced regional development. This is not merely about preserving two campuses—it is about safeguarding the future of Himachal Pradesh, fulfilling the aspirations of its youth, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across the state.
Vishal Nehria
Former MLA
