📷 Image: Flickr (CC)
Education
Pathankot's Dharkalan ITI still idle after three inaugurations, 65 students travel 60 km for classes
✍️ Amar Ujala · Punjab
🗓 25 Aug 2026, 09:38 AM
👁 1
The government Industrial Training Institute in Dharkalan, Kondi, Pathankot has remained non‑operational for a decade despite three inauguration ceremonies, forcing 65 enrolled students to commute 60 kilometres daily.
The Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Dharkalan in the Kondi block of Pathankot district has been mired in legal and administrative claims for ten years. Although the institute was inaugurated three times since its establishment, it has not yet commenced regular training programmes.
According to local reports, the lack of functional classrooms, equipment and staff has left the institute effectively closed. As a result, the 65 students who had secured admission are compelled to travel approximately 60 kilometres to the nearest operational ITI to continue their vocational courses.
Parents and students have expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, citing wasted time and additional travel expenses. The state education department has been urged to resolve the pending issues and ensure that the Dharkalan ITI becomes operational without further postponement.
If the institute remains inactive, the region risks losing a critical avenue for skill development and employment generation for youth in the area.
According to local reports, the lack of functional classrooms, equipment and staff has left the institute effectively closed. As a result, the 65 students who had secured admission are compelled to travel approximately 60 kilometres to the nearest operational ITI to continue their vocational courses.
Parents and students have expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, citing wasted time and additional travel expenses. The state education department has been urged to resolve the pending issues and ensure that the Dharkalan ITI becomes operational without further postponement.
If the institute remains inactive, the region risks losing a critical avenue for skill development and employment generation for youth in the area.