Advisor to Governor Khurshid Ahmad Ganai Tuesday called for further improving the quality of education in colleges to bring it at par with the international standards.The Advisor was speaking during an interaction with Principals of Degrees colleges of Kashmir and Ladakh province. The Advisor was accompanied by Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Sarita Chauhan, Special Secretary Higher Education, RA Inqalabi, Director Colleges Zahoor Chatt, Director Planning, Financial Advisor and Principals of all the degree colleges of Kashmir and Ladakh province.While stressing on the need for raising the quality of education in colleges, the Advisor said the college heads must focus on quality rather than quantity.He stressed upon the development of scientific temperament, communicative, critical and cognitive abilities among students besides improving the learning environment in the colleges by holding regular conferences, seminars, debates and discussions, giving opportunities to students to interact with different resources persons and gain more knowledge.Ganai directed the College Principals to complete all the formalities for NAAC Accreditation and apply for the same as soon as possible so that more funds can be utilized for infrastructure development as the funding pattern and financial assistance depends on the ranking in NAAC.
The meeting also discussed various issues with regard to holding examinations on time, declaring results on time, examination schedule in Ladakh division and other issues.He also asked the Director Colleges to formulate a plan for infrastructure development in various colleges to fill the gaps so that they also become eligible for NAAC accreditation besides improving the ranking of other already accredited colleges.He asked the officials to identify the critical gaps that hamper the functioning of the colleges so that government can take initiatives to plug the gaps to improve the education system.The Advisor also stressed on holding extra-curricular activities in colleges for the overall development of a student. He asked the Director Colleges to plan for more youth activities in colleges and formulate a calendar for sports and other extra-curricular activities.The Advisor assured that an adequate sports infrastructure will be developed in all the colleges and urged the heads of the colleges to formulate a demand for development and improvement of such infrastructure.He also called for continuing capacity building of teachers through training and workshops to sharpen their skills and teaching abilities keeping in view the fast-transforming academic scenario.The Advisor said that similar meeting is proposed to be held in Jammu after Darbar Move to interact with the heads of degree colleges of Jammu province to get the first-hand account of the functioning of Jammu colleges.