Students should be top priority of academic institutions: Sakeena Itoo

Srinagar, Sep 30: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Tuesday underscored the need for higher education institutions of Jammu and Kashmir to align themselves with aspirations of students and modern academic standards.
The Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review academic and administrative functioning of the Kashmir University (KU).
The meeting was attended by Vice Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan; Registrar KU, senior officers of KU and Higher Education department.
During the meeting, the Minister took a comprehensive assessment of university’s progress across multiple fronts, like teaching and research output, infrastructure development, student welfare measures and other initiatives of the university.
She emphasized that the student community must remain at the core of every policy and reform initiative, as they are the true stakeholders of the education system.
The Minister observed that many challenges faced by students stem from delayed administrative processes, lack of timely communication. She called on the university administration to adopt a student-friendly model that ensures smoother functioning of academic and administrative services.
“Students should be the top priority of all our academic institutions. They should feel that their concerns are heard and addressed promptly,” she said.
Stressing the importance of building trust, Minister Sakeena urged the university leadership to institutionalize transparent systems for examinations, admissions, financial management and research programs. She added that openness in decision-making and clarity in procedures will reduce grievances, prevent delays, and enhance the credibility of the university in the eyes of its students and society.
Highlighting that regular interaction forums between students, faculty, and administrators is necessary to build dialogue and trust, she encouraged the officers to develop dedicated student grievance redressal cells with clear escalation mechanisms.
Acknowledging the rich academic legacy of Kashmir University, Minister Sakeena said that this prestigious institution carries a responsibility to set benchmarks for higher education in the region.
“Kashmir University must aspire to be more than just a centre of higher learning, it should be a hub of opportunity, innovation, and growth, where every student feels empowered to achieve their dreams,” she noted.
The Minister urged upon the University authorities to work collaboratively with students and faculty to implement these reforms in a time-bound manner. She assured her continued support in strengthening the institution and making it a beacon of academic excellence and student welfare.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Minister also took stock of various issues and grievances raised by students of KU who had come to meet the Minister.
While interacting with these students, Sakeena Itoo assured them prompt redressal of grievances and issues raised. She also gave directions for onspot redressal of various grievances raised by the students.