Major research revelation regarding an Uttarakhand college under the leadership of Dr. Afroz Iqbal

Research Reveals Alarming Trend: 68.5% of Uttarakhand College Students Frequently Absent from Classes

Report by Amaanullah Usmani

Dehradun: A significant research study conducted on increasing student absenteeism, employment-related concerns, and challenges in higher education institutions across Uttarakhand has brought several alarming facts to light. The study was carried out under the leadership and academic guidance of Dr. Afroz Iqbal, Head of the Department of Sociology and Principal Investigator at Shaheed Durga Mall Government Post Graduate College, Doiwala. Research scholars Anjali Sharma, Rajkiran Shah, and Shivam Gairola played an active role in the project.

The survey-based research, conducted over a period of six months, involved 400 students from various government and affiliated colleges across Uttarakhand. The findings revealed that nearly 68.5 percent of students remain absent from regular classes at some level. The study further highlighted that the reasons behind absenteeism extend beyond a lack of interest in academics. Major contributing factors include growing concerns about employment opportunities, financial difficulties, long commuting distances, family responsibilities, and dissatisfaction with the employability relevance of existing academic curricula.

The research also found that a large number of students are prioritizing preparation for competitive examinations. Many respondents believe that coaching institutes and self-study offer better prospects for success in government jobs and other competitive exams. As a result, several students devote more time to exam preparation than to attending regular college classes.

Appreciating the study, Dr. D.P. Bhatt, Principal of the college, described it as a serious effort to understand the real challenges and expectations of students. He congratulated the research team and noted that such studies can play a vital role in making the education system more effective and student-centric.

Speaking about the findings, Dr. Afroz Iqbal emphasized that student absenteeism should not be viewed merely as a matter of discipline. Instead, it must be understood within the broader context of education, employment opportunities, and social realities. He suggested that the introduction of employment-oriented education, effective career counseling, and an academic environment aligned with competitive examination requirements could significantly improve student attendance in colleges.

The study serves as an important wake-up call for policymakers and educational institutions, highlighting the urgent need to bridge the gap between higher education and employment aspirations among students in Uttarakhand.