Students and their parents have urged the Himachal Pradesh state government to reconsider the decision to discontinue the Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) programme at GB Pant Memorial Government College, Rampur Bushahr, in Shimla district. They expressed concern that the move deprives students from rural and tribal areas of career-oriented education and better employment opportunities.
Discontinuation Despite Qualified Faculty
Students of the college said the programme was discontinued even though a qualified faculty member was available. They noted that no government college in Kinnaur, Ani, Nirmand, or Kumarsain offers JMC as a subject. Rampur college has been a key educational hub for students from across the region.
“There is no government college in Kinnaur, Ani, Nirmand or Kumarsain areas that offers JMC as a subject. Rampur college has been serving as an important educational centre for students from across the region,” they said.
Impact on Current Students
The discontinuation has affected higher education and career prospects for many students. Those enrolled in second and third years are still pursuing the course, but the decision has created uncertainty about their academic future. Students questioned the rationale behind discontinuing the programme when students are already enrolled and a faculty member is available.
“Students enrolled in the second and third years are still pursuing the course. The decision has created uncertainty over their academic future. When students are already enrolled and a faculty member is available, the reason for discontinuing the programme is difficult to understand,” they said.
JMC as a Career-Oriented Discipline
Students highlighted that Journalism and Mass Communication is a significant career-oriented discipline in the digital age. The programme provides skills in media, public relations, digital content creation, advertising, and communication. It also helps students prepare for various competitive examinations.
“The programme provides skills in media, public relations, digital content creation, advertising, communication and also helps students prepare for various competitive examinations. Discontinuing it goes against the interests of the region’s youth,” they said.
Financial Burden on Families
Students pointed out that Rampur college remains the most accessible option for those from remote and tribal areas to pursue the subject. If the programme remains discontinued, students may have to move to colleges in other districts or private institutions, increasing financial pressure on families. Many may lose the opportunity to pursue higher education in this field.
“If the programme remains discontinued, students may have to move to colleges in other districts or private institutions, which would increase financial pressure on families. Many students may lose the opportunity to pursue higher education in this field,” they said.
