Attendance Crisis in Uttarakhand Higher Education

 Scientific study involving 500 participants launched at Doiwala College under the leadership of Dr. Afroze Eqbal; Principal Dr. D.P. Bhatt lauds the initiative

Dehradun: Declining student attendance in government postgraduate colleges across Uttarakhand has emerged as a serious concern, no longer limited to an administrative issue but increasingly linked to the quality and credibility of higher education. Empty classrooms, incomplete attendance registers, and growing concern among teachers clearly reflect the depth of the crisis. Experts warn that irregular attendance disrupts academic continuity, weakens evaluation processes, and directly affects students’ overall development.

The problem is more pronounced in rural and semi-urban regions, where factors such as transportation difficulties, economic pressures, family responsibilities, and lack of academic motivation hinder regular classroom attendance. Educationists describe the situation as a structural academic challenge, emphasizing that disciplinary measures alone cannot provide a sustainable solution.

Against this backdrop, Government Postgraduate College, Doiwala, has taken a significant step toward addressing the attendance crisis. Under the leadership of Dr. Afroze Eqbal, Head of the Department of Sociology, a comprehensive research study titled *“Challenges of Student Attendance: A Cross-Sectional Survey of 500 Participants”* has been initiated.

The study includes 400 students, 50 parents, and 50 teachers and is being conducted through Google Forms. The survey follows scientific methodology and strictly adheres to ethical and confidentiality standards. Research scholars **Anjali Sharma** and **Raj Kiran Shah** are actively involved in the project.

The study aims to analyze institutional, personal, social, and infrastructural factors influencing student attendance. It will also examine perspectives of students, parents, and teachers, leading to the formulation of short-term, medium-term, and long-term solution strategies.

College Principal Dr. D.P. Bhatt, while appreciating the initiative, stated that the study led by Dr. Afroze Eqbal is a meaningful step toward improving higher education and assured full institutional support for the research.

Dr. Afroze Eqbal remarked that the study would not remain confined to identifying the problem alone but would present practical and implementable solutions, enabling sustainable improvement in student attendance.

The findings of the research will be presented in a detailed report, expected to contribute significantly to improving academic quality and strengthening higher education policy in Uttarakhand. The initiative is being widely viewed within academic circles as a transformative and exemplary effort in higher education research.

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