JAMMU: Director Colleges J&K, Dr Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, conducted an extensive tour of the Government Degree Colleges in the Pir Panjal region to gain firsthand insight into academic activities and engage directly with students and faculty to know their concerns, challenges and expectations.
During interactive sessions at GDC Rajouri, GDC Poonch, and GDC Surankote, the Director of Colleges highlighted the significance of SIGMA – the Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application. He urged the students to subscribe to the platform immediately, describing it as a major reform initiative aimed at empowering students with real-time updates on departmental initiatives and offering them a direct channel for redressal of issues that may lie beyond the scope of individual Colleges.
The Director of Colleges also briefed students on the key takeaways of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), particularly the academic flexibility provided through multiple entry and exit options. He encouraged students to make informed use of these provisions to shape their academic trajectories.
In the meetings with faculty members, the Director reiterated the importance of strengthening the Mentor–Mentee Model, noting that an effective mentoring system is crucial for addressing emerging challenges, including concerns related to substance abuse. He sought full cooperation from faculty to ensure the meaningful implementation of the model across campuses.
At GDC Poonch, the Director of Colleges congratulated Principal Dr Jasbir Singh for initiating the process for seeking Autonomous Status for the college immediately following his visit in August. Expressing satisfaction, he noted that achieving autonomous status would position the institution for academic excellence and institutional innovation.
The Director of Colleges also held a detailed interaction with the Boarders of both the Girls’ and Boys’ Hostels at GDC Poonch. The issues concerning hostel facilities were discussed, and necessary directions were issued for their prompt redressal.
During his visit to GDC Rajouri, the Directorof Colleges underscored the academic vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its emphasis on granting greater autonomy to progressive higher education institutions.
While discussing the prospects of Autonomous Status under NEP, he stated that autonomy offers substantial institutional advantages, including enhanced academic flexibility, scope for curricular innovation, independent examination and evaluation systems and a stronger institutional identity. He highlighted that, as the oldest and largest college in the district, GDC Rajouri is well-positioned to approach the UGC for the grant of Autonomous Status, noting that the present moment is both appropriate and opportune for the institution to submit its application in line with UGC norms.
At GDC Surankote, the issue of student absenteeism was deliberated extensively. The Director impressed upon the college administration the need to strictly adhere to the Directorate’s Policy Planning and Development Portal for the digital on boarding of students, ensuring transparency, accountability and improved student engagement. The visit concluded with the Director reaffirming the Department’s commitment to strengthening academic ecosystems, improving student well-being and accelerating reform initiatives across all degree colleges in the region.
