Srinagar: Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and the Jammu & Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the fields of training, academics and research aimed at strengthening disaster management and emergency response capabilities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The agreement seeks to promote institutional cooperation through a range of joint initiatives, including certification of academic, research and training programmes, development of specialised training modules for JKSDRF personnel and provision of technical expertise for strengthening and restructuring State Disaster Management Training Centres as required by the force.
Under the MoU, both institutions will jointly organise online and offline activities such as lectures, workshops, seminars and short-term training programmes to enhance professional skills and knowledge in disaster management and emergency response.
The collaboration will also focus on designing and undertaking research projects related to disaster management, emergency preparedness, rescue operations and allied fields. In addition, the agreement provides for the exchange of faculty, academic and scholarly information, publications, training material and other resources to encourage knowledge-sharing and professional development.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the office chamber of A.G. Mir, Director General of Police and Commandant General, Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF J&K, in Srinagar.
Representing Rashtriya Raksha University, J&K Campus, were Director Dr Mahesh A. Tripathi, Assistant Director Dr Mohammad Akmal Shah and Assistant Professor (Disaster Management) Dr Bilquees Dar.
The JKSDRF delegation comprised Imtiyaz Hussain Mir, DIG and Director Civil Defence and SDRF Kashmir; Masroor Ahmad Mir, SSP and Commandant, SDRF 1st Battalion Srinagar; and Mohd Rafi Giri, SSP and Staff Officer to the Commandant General, Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF J&K.
Officials said the collaboration is expected to contribute significantly towards capacity building, professional training and research-based interventions in the field of disaster management, ultimately enhancing preparedness and response mechanisms across Jammu and Kashmir.