Governor N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu (SKUAST-J), chaired the 17th Council meeting of the University at the Raj Bhavan, in whichSh. Syed Basharat Ahmad Bukhari, Minister for Horticulture, and Sh. Abdul Ghani Kohli, Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries participated. The University Council decided to abolish interviews for recruitment of all class IV and equivalent positions in the SKUAST-J.The Council complimented, Vice-Chancellor and his colleagues for securing ICAR’s 15th Rank among 73 Central Universities/ICAR Institutes/Deemed Universities, 10th rank among 64 State Agricultural Universities and 31st rank for publications assigned by the Confederation of Indian Industries and Indian Citation Index (CII-ICI) Report 2016 .Chancellor released a publication brought out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras of SKUAST-J, “ Bringing prosperity to the famers of Jammu region” and a three year (2018-2020) “Pashupalak Calendar” published by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Kathua with month wise guidance regarding improved livestock management.
In the context of the VC’s presentation about the Research Papers presented by faculty and students, Chancellor advised that there must be a mechanism for recognising teachers and scientists who are doing outstanding work in their fields. He called upon the Ministers and Planning Secretary to ensure close co-ordination between all the concerned government departments and the Universities so that the outcome of all research becomes a valuable input for formulation of government policies and programmes.
Chancellor advised both the VCs to ensure maximum hands-on participation of students in farm-level activities and their involvement in cleanliness drives and adoption of villages under the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan. He advised the VCs to provide the students increased opportunities for spending more time in the farmers fields.Chancellor emphasized that the Integrated Farming System which gives good returns to the farmers should be introduced in at least 2-3 villages in every Panchayat. VCs were asked to spread the use of specialized farm practices introduced in the model villages to all other areas in the hinterland.Chancellor urged Sh. Abdul Ghani Kohli, Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries, to take up the issue of extension of the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) Act to J&K with the Chief Minister so that the Cabinet approves the required action; this will enable/qualify the pass outs from the State to be allowed to practice outside the State.University Council discussed the agenda items which included adoption of the UGC Notifications with respect to exemption of NET essentiality for the candidates registered for Ph.D prior to 11.07.2011; direct recruitment of Assistant Professors & equivalents andcounting of period of active service spent on pursuing Ph.D for the direct recruitment of Associate Professor& above/equivalent; adoption of SRO-202 of 2015 regarding application of J&K Special Recruitment Rules, 2015 for both the Farm universities; enhancement of stipend paid during the apprenticeship period for Account Assistants/Cashiers as prescribed by the State Government for both the Farm universities ; adoption of Jammu and Kashmir Information Technology Service Recruitment Rules notified vide SRO-343 & 344 of 2016 dated 24th October, 2016, in favour of IT personnel of both Farm universities; adoption of upper age limit of 48 years in respect of ex-Servicemen for direct recruitment for the post Security Guards in the University; and adoption of two tier Career Advancement Scheme for Non-teaching employees of the University as pert SRO-311 of 1997.
Earlier, Dr. Pradeep K. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, presented a detailed report on the achievements of the University in the past six months; introduction of Central Examination System; Thesis and Comprehensive Viva to be carried out under CCTV; using software to check plagiarism in scientific publications; giving awards/rewards/recognition for the best University workers; Green Graduation Programme; introduction online recruitment process in all non-teaching administrative positions; besides initiating research programmes in Hydroponics; Value addition in underutilized crops, and introduction of e-tendering process etc. The activities of the Placement Cell were also highlighted.VC further informed that presently the University has 133 externally funded adhoc research project valuing Rs. 44.34 crores and 42 new adhoc Research projects worth Rs. 9.67 crores were secured since April 2017. Patents have been filed for four technologies developed by the University.Among those who attended the meeting were Prof. (Col.) A.K. Gehlot, Vice Chancellor, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Bikaner (Member);Sh. Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Sh. Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary Finance; Prof. Nazeer Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir; Sh. Showket Ahmad Beigh, Secretary Agriculture; and Sh. Daleep Kachroo, Registrar, SKUAST-Jammu.