📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Mnm.balamurali
Education
Sikkim University’s Mass Communication Programme Shrinks to Just Three Students, Professor Warns of Institutional Decay
✍️ indiatodayne.in
🗓 05 Sep 2026, 10:36 PM
👁 4
The enrolment in the mass communication department at Sikkim University has dropped to three students, prompting Prof. Mahendra P. Lama to warn of growing institutional decay.
Sikkim University’s Department of Mass Communication has recorded an enrolment of just three students for the current academic session, a stark decline from earlier years when the programme attracted larger batches. The figure was confirmed by university records released to the media.
Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, a senior faculty member of the department, described the situation as a symptom of “institutional decay,” citing inadequate infrastructure, reduced faculty strength and waning academic standards as contributing factors.
The professor urged university authorities and the state education department to intervene urgently, suggesting that revitalising the curriculum, improving facilities and restoring faculty morale are essential to reverse the downward trend and restore confidence among prospective students.
If the enrolment continues at this low level, the department may face further cuts or even suspension, a prospect that has alarmed both staff and alumni who fear the loss of a key media‑studies hub in the North‑East.
University officials declined to comment on specific remedial measures, but indicated that a review of the programme is underway.
Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, a senior faculty member of the department, described the situation as a symptom of “institutional decay,” citing inadequate infrastructure, reduced faculty strength and waning academic standards as contributing factors.
The professor urged university authorities and the state education department to intervene urgently, suggesting that revitalising the curriculum, improving facilities and restoring faculty morale are essential to reverse the downward trend and restore confidence among prospective students.
If the enrolment continues at this low level, the department may face further cuts or even suspension, a prospect that has alarmed both staff and alumni who fear the loss of a key media‑studies hub in the North‑East.
University officials declined to comment on specific remedial measures, but indicated that a review of the programme is underway.