KINS DESK
Srinagar, Nov 30 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called on universities in Jammu and Kashmir to formulate strategies for introducing innovative, job-oriented programs to align education with market demands.
Chairing the 35th Executive Council meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) on Saturday, the Lieutenant Governor directed the need for courses in emerging fields such as Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Management, and Urban & Town Planning. “Bridging the gap in employable skills is critical. Universities must focus on capacity building and strengthening schools of languages, including the promotion of regional languages and Sanskrit,” he said according to news agency KINS.
Similar directions have reportedly been issued to other universities in the Union Territory to introduce forward-thinking academic initiatives aimed at enhancing employability.
During the meeting, various academic and administrative issues were discussed, including career advancement promotions for faculty, non-functional promotions for non-teaching staff, increasing student enrolment, campus placements, outreach programs, and the promotion of innovation, start-ups, research, and skill development.
The Lieutenant Governor underlined the importance of revising existing curricula to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He stressed creating a Faculty of Medical Sciences under SMVD Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) and implementing reforms to improve the overall functioning of the university.
The council gave in-principle approval to several agenda items, including new courses and academic guidelines. Ongoing construction projects, action taken on previous meeting decisions, and recent efforts to enhance the SMVDU Technology Business Incubation Centre were also reviewed.
Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SMVDU, presented agenda points for approval and provided updates on university initiatives. Other attendees included Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of Jammu University; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University; Prof. Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor of Ahmedabad University; Prof. A.S.K. Sinha, Director of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology; Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu; Dr. Mandeep Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the LG; Anshul Garg, CEO of SMVDSB; Ajay Kumar Sharma, Registrar of SMVDU, and other members of the Executive Council.
The meeting reinforced the administration’s commitment to modernizing higher education and equipping students with skills for future challenges. (KINS)
