Srinagar : The J&K Regional Branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), in collaboration with the English Debate Club, Department of Students’ Welfare, University of Kashmir, organised its Annual IIPA Inter-College/Department/University Debate–2026 at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir.
The debate was held on the theme, “Food Adulteration is the Biggest Public Health Challenge Facing Jammu & Kashmir Today?” and saw participation from students representing 21 colleges, departments and universities across Kashmir.
The participating institutions included the Department of Political Science, University of Kashmir; Islamia College of Science and Commerce; Government Degree College, Pampore; Government Degree College, M.A. Road, Srinagar; Government College for Women, Baramulla; Institute of Technology, Zakura; Institute of Kashmir Studies; Department of Computer Sciences; Islamic University of Science & Technology; Department of Microbiology (CORD), University of Kashmir; Government Degree Colleges Beerwah and Pulwama; Gandhi Memorial College; Amar Singh College; School of Law; Pran Kishore Institute of Music and Fine Arts; FVSC&AH, SKUAST-K; Centre for Distance and Online Education; SSM College of Engineering and others.
The Department of Political Science, University of Kashmir, won the IIPA Rolling Trophy, with Aaliya Ali and Raashid Rasheed comprising the winning team.
In the individual category, Syed Aleeza Balkhi of the Institute of Kashmir Studies won the First Prize, followed by Aaliya Ali of the Department of Political Science, University of Kashmir, in Second Place and Nimrah of SKUAST-K in Third Place. Barha Malik of the Department of Law received the First Consolation Prize, while Janifer Salati of the Department of Law received the Second Consolation Prize.
Guest of Honour Khalid Jahangir, Commissioner, Food & Drug Administration, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, called for sustained public awareness and systematic enforcement to address food-safety concerns. He announced a structured food-safety programme focusing on hotels, restaurants, eateries and other food establishments.
Chief Guest Prof. Nilofar Khan, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, assured the organisers of the University’s support and offered its technical expertise and academic resources for future food-safety awareness initiatives.
Dr G N Qasba, Vice Chairman, IIPA J&K Regional Branch, highlighted the importance of public-policy discussions involving young people. Prof. Seema Singh, Dean Students’ Welfare, University of Kashmir, delivered the welcome address, while Mr. G. A. Adrabi, Joint Secretary, IIPA J&K Regional Branch, presented the vote of thanks.
Mr. Bashir Ahmad Shah, Member, Executive Committee, IIPA J&K Regional Branch, and Dr. Shahid Khan coordinated the debate and its activities.
