Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today conducted an extensive visit to the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Campus in Budgam, undertaking a first-hand review of the institution’s academic functioning, infrastructure, and ongoing developmental works.
During the visit, the Deputy CM held a brief review meeting to assess the institute’s academic progress, pedagogical methodologies, and student welfare initiatives aimed at holistic development. Afterwards, the Deputy Chief Minister held detailed tour of state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops, which form the core of NIFT’s practical learning ecosystem.
He meticulously inspected the Garment Construction Lab, the Weaving Lab, the Jewellery cum Leather Lab, and the Photography Lab. He observed that students engaged in creative processes and interacted with faculty to understand the technical nuances and industry relevance of the training being imparted.
Demonstrating a deep affection and personal connect with the students, the Deputy CM engaged in candid interactions with students from various disciplines. He encouraged them to leverage their world-class education to become cultural ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing the region’s rich heritage and new-age potential across India.
Keeping in view the interest of students in the various sports activities, he assured them that government will try to develop a patch of land nearby to campus as a sports field. Highlighting the government’s focus on inclusive growth and skill upgradation, the Deputy Chief Minister urged the NIFT administration to initiate specialized workshops and training programs for local ITI students and craft persons.
He emphasized the importance of handholding these artisans by providing them advanced techniques in craft technology, thereby enhancing the quality, marketability, and global demand of indigenous products.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister also conducted a thorough inspection of the ongoing infrastructural upgradation and developmental works across the campus. He issued strict directives to the executing agencies to ensure the highest quality standards are maintained and to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards the use of substandard construction materials.
He further instructed them to immediately identify and carry out all necessary repair works within the institution’s premises to provide a safe and conducive environment for learning and innovation. The Deputy CM expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the institute and reaffirmed the government’s steadfast support for NIFT to emerge as a premier center of design excellence.
During the visit, Director NIFT, Prof. Dr. Monika Gupta informed the Deputy CM that community engagement is already an integral part of the institute’s academic curriculum. She elaborated that NIFT students regularly undertake visits to various districts to interact with and provide advanced technical guidance to local artisans, effectively bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities.
Pertinently, this visit underscores the government’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and skill development, particularly in the vibrant sectors of fashion, design, and traditional crafts for which Jammu and Kashmir is renowned.
Among others, the Deputy CM was accompanied by Managing Director SIDCO, Superintending Engineer of R&B Budgam and other concerned officers.