Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar, Saturday reviewed the functioning of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) at its Rangreth campus here.The Minister was apprised by NIFT staff about the dearth of faculty at the institute. NIFT was jointly started in 2013 by the Department of Industries & Commerce, J&K Government, and the Union Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.The NIFT staff also highlighted the financial and infrastructural problems facing the institute, where fewer courses are taught due to lack of faculty and interest among the students, most of whom opt to study fashion technology courses at institutions outside the state.Mr Akhtar said he will take up the matter with the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for immediate resolution. He said new courses in fabric and jewellery designing should be started at the institute to reflect the blend of local culture with modernity.
"This institute has an important role in preserving and highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. We will propose the Government of India to start new courses here focusing on local culture and also invite faculty from outside the state and even abroad," Mr Akhtar said.He said the State Government will breathe a fresh life into the institute and encourage students to pursue courses in fashion technology by promoting the institute at various levels.The Minister was told that a full-fledged campus of the institute is coming up in Ompora, Budgam, for which work is expected to start soon. He was also accompanied by Director, School Education, Shah Faesal and officials of civil and police administration.Mr Akhtar also visited Government Higher Secondary School, Rawalpora.