Jammu, Feb 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the urgent climate change crisis facing Jammu and Kashmir, particularly highlighting a significant water shortage. He called for increased awareness and action to address this issue.
“We are falling short in educating our communities about the realities of climate change and its associated risks. A considerable part of this duty rests with us as political figures,” Abdullah remarked.
During the first session of a three-day workshop focused on ‘capacity building in innovation pedagogy for the implementation of National Education Policy’ at the University of Jammu, Abdullah underscored the concerning rainfall deficit in the Union Territory.
“Up until this morning, we were grappling with an 80-85 percent rainfall deficit this winter prior to the recent rains, indicating a looming water crisis. Our agricultural practices are based on the expectation of adequate water supply. Given the current water levels, cultivating water-intensive crops like paddy may become nearly impossible,” he cautioned.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) initiative under the NEP-2020, which allows students the flexibility to tailor their education to their interests, thereby enhancing their skills and aligning them with the dynamic needs of the job market.
“As the private sector in Jammu and Kashmir grows—especially in industries like tourism—and as the region becomes more integrated into the national economy, more employment opportunities will arise.
“With Jammu University receiving national acclaim, students equipped with pertinent skills will enjoy a competitive edge,” he added.
Reflecting on the immense pressure students face to achieve high grades, the Chief Minister stated, “It’s remarkable how much stress we impose on our children. When observing the cut-off marks for prestigious institutions such as those in Delhi University—some reaching as high as 100 percent—it begs the question: what does exceeding 100 percent look like?” He stressed that the Design Your Degree initiative represents a transformative shift in education, empowering students to engage with subjects that genuinely excite them.
“This represents a substantial departure from traditional education, where students were prescribed what to study. Now, they have the liberty to curate their degree, enriching both their academic journey and career opportunities,” he remarked.
Discussing future prospects in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), agriculture, and tourism, Abdullah pointed out the significant influence of AI on education and various industries.
“Artificial Intelligence is transforming our approaches to learning and working. While it brings challenges, such as the convenience of using tools like ChatGPT for academic purposes, it also opens up vast avenues for innovation and advancement,” he noted.
He recognized the contribution of faculty members from Delhi University, who are front-runners in the Design Your Degree initiative, in steering the program’s development.
“This transition necessitates a shift in perspective for both students and educators. Traditionally, teachers were directed on what to teach. Now, students are asked, ‘What would you like to learn?’ requiring teachers to adapt their methods accordingly. The insights of these esteemed professors are invaluable as we forge ahead with this change,” he added.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his dedication to supporting Jammu University in its academic pursuits, both personally and in his role as the university’s Pro-Chancellor.
“I assure you that as long as I hold this position, I will do everything within my power to facilitate the growth and success of Jammu University,” he promised.
Extending his congratulations to the Vice-Chancellor, faculty, and students of Jammu University for achieving the notable NAAC A++ accreditation, he offered his best wishes for the success of the three-day workshop.
Additionally, the Chief Minister engaged with students from Government Women’s College (GWC) Parade and Jammu University, who participated in the Design Your Degree program, as they shared their educational experiences.
He found these exchanges inspiring and expressed his enthusiasm for more interactions with bright young minds.
