Baramulla, DEC 11 (KNS): Prof (Dr) A R Malik, senior Associate Professor, Department of Botany , Govt Boys Degree College Baramulla took over as Officiating Principal of the College following the superannuation of the outgoing Principal Prof M M Rather.

An order to this effect was issued by the Higher Education Department Monday.

According to order issued to news agency-kashmir news service(KNS), Prof Malik is among the two other senior faculty members of Mahore and Samba Colleges who have been delegated the powers of DDOs  of the respective colleges. “They will also look after the routine duties of the Principal, in addition to their own duties, till the time Principals are posted,” the order reads.
Prof Malik belongs to the far off upper Qaziabad (Handwara) area, the first youth of the area been appointed as Assistant Professor in the year 2000. He is the first person from the region to do research in a science subject of Botany, and first from  Qaziabad  to have been assigned the responsibility of looking after a prestigious College in the capacity of Officiating Principal. 
Many social and cultural organizations of Handwara , including Qaziabad Development Forum have congratulated Prof Malik for the honours. "This serves as inspiration for the youth of this backward area to pursue academics and research as a career and prove their mettle," they said*(KNS).