Governor Satya Pal Malik, Chancellor of the Cluster University of Srinagar, today chaired the first meeting of the University Council here at the Raj Bhavan.Advisor to Governor, Khurshid A. Ganai who is also Pro-Chancellor was also present in the meeting.In his opening remarks, the Governor said that education is high on the Agenda of the Government and all out efforts shall be made to further improve this core sector. He called for improving the overall educational scenario in Jammu and Kashmir for which the Cluster Universities can play a pivotal role. He stressed for introducing new, innovative and job oriented courses with special emphasis on skill development in the Cluster Universities. The Government will provide all necessary assistance to strengthen these two universities, the Governor said.The Governor lauded the role of women educators and girl students stated that women are playing multiple roles in society and excelling in all vital sectors, equally contributing for the development of the nation at par with their male counterparts. “We are proud on the contribution of the women in the society and acknowledge it with great honour and dignity” said the Governor.While reviewing the activities of the Cluster University, Srinagar the Chancellor and Advisor called for creation of the University’s own campus with the establishment of schools of excellence. At the outset, the Chancellor stressed that the Cluster Universities have been created with the vision of having a cluster of vibrant institutions which disseminate and advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities. These act as a change agent by having a special focus on skill development and creation of highly skilled workforce by undertaking industry oriented teaching, training, research, extension programmes and providing employable skills. Governor emphasized establishing linkages with industry for promotion of science, technology, entrepreneurial skills, innovations, etc.To make working of both the Cluster Universities more vibrant and productive the Council directed that a Committee may be constituted comprising Financial Commissioner Finance (Financial Advisor Universities), Financial Commissioner to Governor, Secretary Higher Education, and Vice Chancellors of both the Cluster Universities.The Members suggested various measures which can allow both the Cluster Universities to emerge as global hubs of education. They highlighted that Cluster University is a new concept in Jammu and Kashmir and it needs to be empowered so that it becomes choice of students over other Universities in Jammu and Kashmir.Prof Sheikh Javid Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Srinagar made a detailed presentation on the activities and various initiatives taken by the University. He also reported the improvement in student enrolment in the University, and measures taken for the development of students and faculty.Listing some important achievements made by the University, the VC informed that 15 new 5 year integrated courses, 4 new 3-year Honours Programme have been introduced in the constituent colleges. He also highlighted the important initiatives taken by the University which includes establishment of an in-house IT Section that develops on-line solutions for admissions, examinations, results and other academic as well as administrative matters. He said the University has also started capacity building programmes for the orientation of the faculty and students for which 26 workshops, seminars and conferences have been organized.Financial Commissioner to Governor, Umang Narula, VC, Cluster University of Jammu, Prof. Anju Bhasin, Secretary Higher Education, Talat Parvez Rohella, Dean Faculty of Education, Prof. Yasmin Kawoos, Prof. Nasreen Malik, Dean Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Ab. Hamid Sheikh, Registrar Member-Secretary, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad, Principal S.P. College Srinagar, Prof. Yasmin Ashai, Principal, GWC, Srinagar, Prof. Nasreen Aman, Principal, AAA Memorial Degree College, Bemina, Prof. Seema Naz, Principal, Govt. College of Education, Srinagar and Prof. Manoj Aiyer, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai attended the meeting.