Turn varsities into powerhouses of ideas, talent: Lt Governor

Jammu, Jan 16: Asserting that universities should become powerhouses of ideas, talent and ready to solve real-world problems, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday called upon the varsity administrations to look beyond degrees and transform the campuses into epicentres of creative solutions.
Chairing the 89th meeting of the University Council of the University of Jammu at Lok Bhawan here, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “Universities must set benchmarks for innovation and research and make regular revision of courses to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge IT technologies.”
Sinha said, “Universities must set benchmarks for innovation and research and make regular revision of courses to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge IT technologies.”
The Lieutenant Governor said that it’s time for universities to step-up and lead innovation, building Skills and solving society’s toughest challenges.
He directed the University of Jammu for collaboration with financial institutions to boost student employability and to conduct a rigorous impact assessment of existing skill development courses.
He asked the Jammu University to take dedicated measures for promotion of studies in local cultural heritage, languages and arts and the revival of the Guru Nanak Dev Chair of Sufi Studies.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the Universities must develop advanced early warning systems for natural disasters and provide solutions to local challenges. He stressed that academic institutions cannot operate in isolation and must align and coordinate their research capabilities to address societal needs. He also directed for the establishment of Animal welfare clubs in all the Universities.
The Council reviewed the progress of the Gandhi Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies and the expansion of IT-enabled services. To ensure administrative efficiency, the Lieutenant Governor directed the streamlining of the e-office system, implementation of IT Enabled services and the timely completion of all ongoing infrastructure projects.
He also called for increased participation of youth in Yuva Connect programme and their active engagement in the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign and other national awareness initiatives.
University Council accords approval to various proposals
The University Council under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, accorded in-principle approval to various agenda items and proposals including inclusion of several provisions in align with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UGC guidelines. These included adoption of Strategic Action Plan (2025–2030); introduction of Five Year Integrated UG-PG Programme in Mathematical Sciences; guidelines of the grant of Duty leaves to the Teachers; Constitution of Jammu University Animal Welfare Club; establishment of a Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialectics and Emotional Intelligence (CRCD&EI); change of nomenclature of B.Tech. (Information Technology) to B.Tech. (Information Technology and Mathematical Innovation) in the Four Year Under Graduate Programme.
Discussions were also held on streamlining the process of direct recruitments for various posts, effective implementation of a robust and comprehensive Sports Policy of the University, and enhancing the overall quality of teaching, learning, and research at the University.
Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu presented the progress report of the University highlighting the various achievements. The Registrar of the University presented the various agenda items before the Council for report, consideration and ratification.
It was informed that the University of Jammu has been recognized as one of the SPOKE institutions with IIT Delhi as the Hub Institution under Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)-Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR).
The chair was also briefed on the action taken on the directions passed during the previous meeting of the Council.
The meeting was attended by Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare Departments; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. K.S Chandrasekhar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Jammu; Prof. Mohd Mobin, Vice Chancellor Cluster University Srinagar; Santosh D. Vaidya, Principal Secretary, Finance; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department; Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, Director IIM Calcutta; Prof. AK Kaul, former Professor, Department of Sociology, BHU Varanasi; Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, Jammu University and other members of the Council. (KNO)