Bijanbari Degree College accorded UGC affiliation

The college with limited resources was required to pass the criteria of getting permanent affiliation with a University and NAAC certified, hurdles among the many they managed to overcome in 2022 and 2020, respectively.

EOI, DARJEELING, DECEMBER 24, 2023 ;  The Bijanbari Degree College with a rural background catering to the educational needs of mostly the rural students has been accorded affiliation to the University Grant Commission. Located 30 km west of Darjeeling, amidst lush green hill and at the bank of river Chota Rangit, the college was set up in November, 1995 and is a government aided institution.

The UGC affiliation has lifted the mood of the college authorities after over 25 years of its existence. "It is a moment of great joy for us. Finally, the UGC has granted us affiliation which is a matter of pride. We had struggled really hard to make it to this achievement," said college principal R. B. Bhujel. The process for the affiliation started in 2021 after Bhujel took over as the principal. Before that, the college was being run by a principal in- charge.

"Earlier this month we were informed by the UGC about our affiliation. We had to submit several mandatory documents for over two years. Twice we were denied. But we remained optimistic," said Bhujel. The college with limited resources was required to pass the criteria of getting permanent affiliation with a University and NAAC certified, hurdles among the many they managed to overcome in 2022 and 2020, respectively.

"It was a collective effort of the teachers, staff and students. Being situated in a rural belt, we have to face many challenges. We have a lot of work in our hands and this affiliation gives us the impetus," said the college principal. Bhujel said the UGC affiliation will provide the students and their parents an opportunity to study at home.

"Now we are registered nationally. We will also get Central financial assistance. We will now have to liaison with the government properly to get our proposals approved," he said. The college offers seven major in English, Nepali, History, Sociology, Political Science, Economics and Education and has already submitted proposals for including other subjects for the benefit of the student