The Minister for Education Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today asked the Vice-chancellors of twin cluster universities of Srinagar and Jammu to focus on creating highly skilled and research oriented lot, which forms the main objective of these varsities. “We need to work towards realizing the fundamental objectives of making these newly established institutions as hub of state’s modern education centres” the Minister asserted while chairing a meeting convened to review the performance of the twin universities. Principal Secretary, Higher Education Dr Asgar Samoon, Vice Chancellor cluster university Jammu, Anju Bhasin, and VC Srinagar Prof Javed Ahmed Shiekh, besides other senior officers of the department attended the meeting. Established through a legislation passed by state legislature, the two cluster Universities for Jammu and Srinagar have been approved under RashtriyaUchchttar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) against a total allocation of Rs 110 crore (Rs 55 cr for each University).
Reviewing the pace of infrastructure development works, the Minister reiterated that government want to make these varsities as the centres of excellence in research, modern education and promotion of job oriented courses. The meeting reviewed all the aspects related to operationalization of these newly established varsities, including provision/ recruitment of staff, development of infrastructure and other aspects. The Minister asked the universities to complete the process for starting Nursing Colleges including seeking approval and recognition from all designated bodies.The Minister assured that the government would provide all possible support to the varsities to help them take the affiliated colleges to the new highs.