Governor, Satya Pal Malik, Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), chaired 31st meeting of the Executive Council of SMVDU, Katra here today.Several important decisions were taken in the meeting. The issues related to research, academics and academic rules were also discussed in detail.At the onset, Prof. R.K. Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU welcomed the members of the Executive Council and briefed about the achievements of the university in the recent past. The Governor noted the improvement in the ranking of the university among Engineering & Management institutions in NIRF 2019 and also appreciated the quality of the placements achieved by the students in the preceding and current session, including the high salary package of Rs. 21.0 Lakh secured by Ms. Karuna Goyal, a girl student.The Council also appreciated the intake of fresh students in all programs along with implementation of TEQIP project wherein additional grant had been obtained because of excellent performance by the University. The Governor also appreciated the working of the Technology Business Incubation Centre and the steps taken for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the students including focus on Start-ups, Projects and enhancement of Coding capabilities of students.The important decisions regarding the improvement of quality of the academic work and research work were taken by the Council under the directions of the Governor.
The Governor observed that the University was poised for the next expansion of academic programs and approved the starting of new programs which will lead to more opportunities for the young students of Jammu & Kashmir. The Council also approved starting of new M.Sc. programs and Dual Degree programs, besides a new PG program in Vedic Studies with focus on inculcating the correct handling of various occasions of religious significance. A new program in Journalism and Mass communication was also approved by the Council.Council also granted an in-principle approval for starting of new programs for the defence personnel and their families which could enable them to improve their educational qualifications and prepare for a productive post retirement professional life.The council also decided on improving the quality of Ph.D. work and approved steps to be taken for timely completion of Ph.D. without any compromise on quality.The Governor directed the University authorities to conduct an internal academic audit with the objective of improving upon the curriculum to ensure higher relevance of the content learnt by the students to the emerging market requirements. Council also approved the comprehensive up-gradation of the Academic Rules & regulations for streamlining the academic process.The meeting was attended by the member of the Executive Council including, Prof. K.K. Aggarwal, Founder Vice Chancellor, GGSIPU, Prof. A.K. Bakhshi, Vice Chancellor, PDM university, Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof. Manoj Dhar, Vice Chancellor Jammu University, Sh. Umang Narula, Financial Commissioner to Governor, Sh. Simrandeep Singh, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Prof. V.K. Bhat, Dean Sciences & Registrar, Prof. D. Mukhopadhyay, Dean Management & Humanities, Prof. Yugal Khajuria, Dean Student Welfare, Prof. Eswaramoorthy Dean, Engineering & Dr. Sumeet Gupta, Dean Academic Affairs of SMVDU.The vote of thanks was presented by Prof. R.K. Sinha, Vice-Chancellor to the Governor and the members of the Executive Council.