Govt focused to transform J&K into hub of quality education, innovation: Sakeena

Jammu, Apr 22: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Wednesday laid e-foundation stone for Classroom Block for Innovative learning under Design Your Own Degree (DYOD) and Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) frameworks at Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora.
Vice Chancellor, IUST, Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Ramshoo; Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Ayaz Hassan Moon; Registrar IUST, HoDs of various departments, senior faculty members and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion
Addressing the officers virtually, the Education Minister said that this unique initiative marks a major stride in strengthening higher education infrastructure and promoting flexible, multidisciplinary learning and skill-oriented education in this prestigious University.
She added that this initiative reflects the government’s focused commitment to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of quality education and innovation. She noted that the proposed infrastructure will play a pivotal role in fostering experiential learning, critical thinking, and research-driven academic engagement among students.
“The foundation of this innovative classroom facility signifies our resolve to align higher education with global standards and empower students with choice-based, future-ready learning opportunities,” she said.
The Minister highlighted that the project is being developed under the progressive Design Your Own Degree (DYOD) and Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) frameworks, which are central to building a knowledge-driven and skill oriented society.
She added that this foundation marks another milestone in the Omar Abdullah led Government’s sustained efforts to modernize higher education institutions and create an enabling environment for holistic student development.
On the occasion, Vice Chancellor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo underscored the university’s commitment to academic innovation and institutional growth. He stated that the upcoming facility will significantly enhance IUST’s capacity to deliver high-quality, outcome-based education and provide students with a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Pertinently, the Classroom Block will be constructed at an estimated cost of over Rs 16 crore and will feature modern lecture halls, digital learning environments, collaborative spaces, and advanced academic infrastructure tailored to support the evolving needs of DYOD and FYUGP programmes.