Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the 88th meeting of the University Council of the University of Jammu at Raj Bhawan today.
Present at the meeting were Sakina Itoo, Minister for Higher Education; Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher Education Department; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu; Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, Vice Chancellor of Lucknow University; Prof. K.S Chandrasekhar, Vice Chancellor of Cluster University Jammu; Prof. AK Kaul, former Professor of Sociology, BHU Varanasi; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar of Jammu University, among other council members.
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary of the Planning, Monitoring, and Development Department; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University; and Prof. Mohd Mohin, Vice Chancellor of Cluster University Srinagar, participated via virtual mode.
The University Council discussed a variety of academic and administrative issues aimed at enhancing the university’s overall operations.
They gave in-principle approval to various proposals, including the adoption and inclusion of numerous provisions in line with UGC guidelines and the National Education Policy 2020.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the University to regularly update its curriculum and courses while introducing new programs aligned with today’s emerging trends and necessities. He emphasized the importance of promoting local languages and the region’s culture.
He also instructed the University to initiate a faculty strengthening drive, fill vacant Teaching and Non-Teaching positions, and fast-track the resolution of promotion issues under the Career Advancement Scheme.
Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor directed the university to improve its e-office processes and ensure timely completion of ongoing projects.
During the meeting, council members congratulated the Vice Chancellor, faculty, and staff of the University of Jammu for achieving the prestigious A++ Grade from NAAC with an outstanding CGPA score of 3.72, making it the only A++ University in the J&K UT.
The council also reviewed the success of the Design Your Own Degree undergraduate program.
Discussions included streamlining direct recruitment processes for various positions, onboarding sports experts for the effective implementation of the University’s Sports Policy, and establishing a credit framework for the Design Your Degree program.
Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, presented an in-depth report highlighting the university’s focus on research, skill development, internships and startups, experiential learning through significant projects, as well as innovative initiatives aimed at digital advancements, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of trans-disciplinary and holistic education.
The chair was also updated on actions taken in response to directives from the previous meeting.
