Magam

Magam
Town
Magam Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India Magam Magam (India)
Coordinates:34.08°N 74.58°E/34.08; 74.58
Country	India
Union territory	Jammu and Kashmir
District	Budgam
Elevation	1,569 m (5,148 ft)
Languages
• Official	Kashmiri,Urdu,Hindi,Dogri,English
Time zone	UTC+5:30(IST)
PIN	193401

Magamis atehsilin central Kashmir'sBeerwahsub-district. It is also atown,notified area committee,and ablockinBudgam districtin the Indian-administeredunion territoryofJammu and Kashmir.It is 11 km (6.8 mi) away from sub-district headquarter Beerwah and 20 km (12 mi) away fromSrinagar,the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Magam comes under both Budgam andBaramulla districts,and is the main business hub in the area, located on the way toGulmarg.The Idara Abu Fazal Abbas Islamic Library, opened in Magam in 1985, is the largest Islamic private library in Jammu and Kashmir.

Economy

Magam is considered the hub of business in district Budgam due to its connectivity with various districts like Budgam, Baramulla and Srinagar. Due its growing business activity, many commercial financial institutions have a presence in Magram; it has seven ATM machines and seven commercial Banks.

Magam is also known as the gateway ofGulmarg,a tourist destination only 25 km (16 mi) away from it.

Demographics

As of 2011,Magam had a population of 5,470, of which 18% is under 6 years of age. Magam has an average literacy rate of 51.22%, 27.28% lower than the national average of 78.5%. The male literacy rate in Magam is 57%, while the female rate is 42%.

Education

Magam has two higher secondary schools namely Government Boys Higher Secondary Institute, Government Girls Higher Secondary Institute. At the secondary level, it has: Lucent International school; RMP school; Green View Public High School; Government middle school for boys and girls (separate); Yagipora, Raheislam Educational Organisation, the New Convent School. Lucent International School is a franchise of Dehradun that provides transport to all connected areas ofBudgam districtandSrinagar.

These institutes offer teaching in the arts, science, and commerce streams. Government Degree College Magam was established in 2012.The college offers courses like BA, B.Com, and BBA. The College also hosts an IGNOU Study Centre (30026) wheredistance educationis offered. A technical institute operates there. Himayat centres play a role in Magam to provide student internships.

Transport

Magam is well-connected with the State and District Highway roads; it is also connected by rail to Srinagar and Gulmarg.Mazhom railway stationis located 2 km (1.2 mi) from Magam. The town has a post office. Two bus stands provide transportation to adjoining areas.

Magam is famous fortanga(a light horse-drawn two-wheeled vehicle). These tangas were first used by tourists to travel from Magam toGulmargand for other local transport. These tangas can still be seen in Magam. Tonga ride is still known as Kings' ride.