Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today interacted with Vice Chancellors of Universities in J&K and reviewed the programs undertaken by the varsities under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.At the outset, all the Vice Chancellors and Director, Colleges gave detailed presentations on the activities and programs undertaken by their varsities and the Higher Education department under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and briefed the chair about the proposed activities to be organized in run up to the celebrations of 75th year of Independence. While chairing the meeting, the Lt Governor called for the impact assessment of programmes undertaken, besides sustained efforts to highlight the contribution of our freedom fighters.On the occasion, the Lt Governor directed for fast-tracking the implementation of NEP-2020. He also laid broad guidelines on moving towards formulation of courses and curriculum based on the new National Education Policy.The Lt Governor called for completing the modalities of transfer to Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), Exit option provision and preparing an action plan to promote course modules on cultural values, professional ethics, Indian Knowledge System, innovation, entrepreneurship, industry 4.0 skills and communication skills.The Lt Governor said that focus should be on skilling and employability of students, besides promotion of local languages and culture.“Universities should invest more in Innovation and Incubation, providing our youth with prospects for the future and strengthening the position of young women in the society”, he added.
Calling on academia to lead the journey of development & prosperity of J&K, the Lt Governor said that research must flow from Labs to Field. He impressed on Agriculture Universities to focus on developing innovative ways to reduce the input cost of farmers, besides providing continuous handholding to increase production.During the meeting, the Lt Governor observed that Vocational courses, Co-curriculum activities and Student exchange programs should be made an integral part of the education system.Underscoring the need for increased synergy between the Universities and Higher Education department of UT administration, the Lt Governor directed concerned officials for better coordination between the two to find solutions for various societal issues, ensuring the welfare of underprivileged sections of the society through actionable Research & new Technologies.He urged the universities to put special focus on fighting the Drug menace through ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan’. Sustained programmes highlighting the issue of drugs and creating a mass movement against the menace is the need of the hour, he added.
Underlining the crucial role of universities in development of the UT, the Lt Governor issued directions for laying focus on linkage between Industry demands and commensurate up-skilling through updated curricula and capacity building of faculty.The Lt Governor called for constituting a VC’s group for working out modalities and formulating a UT-level action plan for robust implementation of NEP and way forward. He also advised for holding regular follow-up meetings on the issue.While reviewing the various activities organized by the Universities, the Lt Governor said that fundamental values of harmony and role of Universities in building Aatmanirbhar Bharat must also be the central themes of celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh. Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Prof. M. K. Dhar, VC Jammu University; Prof. Talat Ahmad, VC Kashmir University; Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, VC, IUST; Prof. Akbar Masood, VC BGSBU; Prof. Bechan Lal, VC, Cluster University of Jammu; Prof. Qayyum Hussain, VC, Cluster University Srinagar; (Prof.) Dr. Yasmeen Ashai, Director Colleges and representatives of SKUAST Jammu and SKUAST Kashmir were present during the interaction.