Rs181 million spent, but Dukota girls' college still awaits opening

A government girls' college built to bring higher education closer to students in Dukota and surrounding rural areas remains non-functional nearly four years after its launch, even though almost the entire approved budget has reportedly been spent.

The Government Associate College for Girls, Dukota, near Chak 145-WB in Mailsi, was approved on July 27, 2021, at an estimated cost of Rs189.08 million. Authorities laid its foundation stone on September 25, 2022. Government development records show that Rs181.549 million had been spent by June 2025, or nearly 96% of the approved cost.

Despite that expenditure, the building has not been fully handed over for academic activities. The delay has raised questions about completion, monitoring and spending. Residents said windowpanes had begun breaking because the partially completed building was not properly maintained. They also said a transformer installed to supply electricity had reportedly been stolen, potentially creating further costs if a replacement is needed.

The absence of a nearby college has practical consequences for families in the area. Residents said girls often face long daily journeys, transport expenses and social constraints when they travel to continue their studies after matriculation. Muhammad Shahid, a daily-wage worker, said his daughter travels about 20 kilometres to Mailsi by passenger bus to continue her education.

Other families are also trying to keep their daughters in school despite financial pressure. Farmer Mehr Mumtaz Ahmed Azad said his daughter hoped to become a teacher and that a functioning college nearby would help her pursue that ambition. Rickshaw driver Muhammad Aslam Sheikh said two of his daughters attend a girls' degree college in Tibba Sultanpur, while his third is still in matriculation.

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She is a bright student, and if she gets better opportunities for education, she can build a successful future