PRAYAGRAJ, July 12 -- : Even though the new academic session in Uttar Pradesh began on July 1, the future of 16 new government degree colleges remains uncertain as the state government is yet to take a final decision on making them operational.

The colleges include nine newly constructed institutions under the Prime Minister Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). Of these, only one has been approved to begin academic activities, while the remaining eight are still awaiting clearance. Another seven government degree colleges remain non-functional after state universities declined to operate them as affiliated institutions.

During a virtual review meeting chaired by the principal secretary on June 9, officials reviewed the progress of 20 PMJVK coll...