Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday chaired the 89th meeting of the University Council of the University of Jammu at Lok Bhavan and urged the universities to become a powerhouse of ideas, ready to solve real-world problems.
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 LG; 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.
The University Council under the chairmanship of the LG accorded in-principle approval to various agenda items and proposals including inclusion of several provisions in line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UGC guidelines, an official press release informed.
It said 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 Undergraduate Programme.
The LG emphasized that universities must set benchmarks for innovation and research and make regular revision of courses to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge IT technologies.
“It’s time for universities to step-up and lead innovation, building skills and solving society’s toughest challenges,” the LG said.
He directed the University of Jammu to collaborate with financial institutions to boost student employability and to conduct a rigorous impact assessment of existing skill development courses.
He further asked the 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 LG 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 the establishment of animal welfare clubs in all the universities.
“It is the era of Universities 2.0. They must look beyond degrees and transform the campus as epicentres of creative solutions and social transformation. They should become a powerhouse of ideas, talent and ready to solve real-world problems,” the LG said.
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 LG 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 the Yuva Connect programme and their active engagement in the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign and other national awareness initiatives.
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.
Artists and GenZ Entrepreneurs will forge India’s future together: LG Sinha
“Artists and GenZ entrepreneurs will forge India’s future together. Art and business alliance is a unique power and Imagination and Investment will be able to build a vibrant and developed society,” the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday.
He was speaking at the valedictory session of International Painting Workshop, organised by Anandam: The Centre of Happiness and the Art Club at IIM Jammu.
In his address, the LG, according to an official press release, extended his felicitations to the renowned artists and students for building a stronger tomorrow through creativity.
“Artists are the architects of national pride and they are shaping identity, unity, progress and forging a united future. The combined energy of creative minds and the future CEOs can become the new engine of national progress.
“On one hand we have dreamers as artists and on the other Doers as next gen leaders and their united effort will redefine the pace of progress,” the LG said.
The LG emphasised that in today’s era of artificial intelligence and machine learning, creative thinking is most needed to discover new opportunities. He said the Business Management professionals must be prepared to learn from experiences and adopt new approaches.
“Art is a vital pillar of interdisciplinary education. Art enriches institutions, transforms personalities, and fosters a sense of belonging, thereby strengthening responsibility towards society and the nation. I see art as the heartbeat of society and the conscience of the nation, shaping our values, preserving our identity, encouraging dialogue, and inspiring a collective purpose,” the LG further said.
On the occasion, the LG felicitated the eminent and emerging painters. He also commended the IIM Jammu for the unique academic-cultural initiative.
