Jammu, August 19 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), today chaired the 37th meeting of the University’s Executive Council at the SMVDU campus in Kakryal, Katra.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Management, Ahmedabad University; Prof. A.S.K. Sinha, former Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi; Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB); Ajay Kumar Sharma, Registrar, SMVDU; and other members of the Executive Council.
The Council accorded in-principle approval for the construction of a 200-bed boys’ hostel, to be funded by SMVDSB, and directed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) be prepared.
It also approved in principle two new academic programmes — B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.Tech in Food Technology. The Council suggested exploring the possibility of offering LL.B. in combination with science and commerce streams.
The Council adopted the budget proposals for 2026–27 and the final audit report for 2024–25. It also approved enhanced financial assistance for students participating in national and international conferences, workshops and other academic events.
The Executive Council further approved the completion and development of the sports complex at the SMVDU campus in collaboration with SMVDSB. The facility will provide improved sports infrastructure for students and employees.
The Council also decided to finalise a five-year roadmap for the University based on a viable operating model, in consultation with the Academic Council and Finance Committee. It also adopted the proposed Kulgeet, the University’s institutional anthem.
The meeting reviewed the University’s academic, administrative and financial progress and approved several initiatives for the forthcoming academic sessions. The Council also ratified the nomination of external members to the Executive Council and Academic Council and reviewed the status of major ongoing and completed construction projects, stressing the need for their timely completion.
Appreciating the University’s initiatives in wellness, sports and youth engagement, the Lieutenant Governor directed the administration to organise counselling, mental health and value-based awareness programmes for students. He also advised the University to subscribe to online counselling platforms to strengthen student support services.
The Lieutenant Governor suggested providing academic relaxation to NSS and NCC students selected to represent the University at events of national importance, along with additional credits in recognition of their achievements.
He also recommended introducing industry-linked vocational courses conducted by internal faculty and external experts, with opportunities open to all students irrespective of minimum eligibility criteria.
Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, briefed the Executive Council on key developments related to admissions, recruitment, faculty career advancement, ongoing construction projects and new academic programmes proposed for the upcoming academic year.(KINS)
LG chairs 37th executive council meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University
