SMVD College of Nursing Governing Body reviews key proposals for academic and institutional growth

• Governing Body backs autonomous status move and new academic collaborations at SMVDCoN

Jammu/Katra, 11-03-2026: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi College of Nursing at Kakryal on Tuesday held the 45th meeting of its Governing Body, during which a range of academic, institutional and student centric proposals were discussed with a focus on strengthening the college’s future direction and overall development.

The meeting was chaired by Suresh Kumar Sharma, retired judge and Member of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and was attended by senior functionaries including Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Additional Chief Executive Officer Alok Kumar Maurya, Administrator of the college Dr Yashpal Sharma, Professor Dr Sharda M Potukuchi from the Faculty of Biotechnology at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and Principal Dr Shailla Cannie.

During the deliberations, the Governing Body reviewed the progress made on decisions taken in earlier meetings and examined several forward looking proposals aimed at enhancing academic quality, institutional capacity and student development. The members discussed measures intended to further raise the standards of the college and support its continued growth as an important institution in the field of nursing education.

A major highlight of the meeting was the approval for celebrating a Decade of Excellence to mark 10 years of the college’s establishment and its contribution to healthcare education. It was decided that the milestone year would be observed through a series of activities spread across the year. These will include a grand inaugural event, academic programmes, community outreach initiatives, National Service Scheme activities and other engagement efforts, with the celebrations concluding in a grand finale programme.

The Governing Body also approved the organisation of the 4th Nursing Fest, TARANG 2026, which is expected to provide a vibrant platform for scholastic as well as co scholastic activities. The event is aimed at promoting academic excellence, creativity, student participation and holistic development, while also enriching campus life through broader educational and cultural engagement.

The members appreciated the initiative taken by the college to apply for Autonomous Status on the UGC portal, particularly at a time when the institution is completing a decade of its academic journey. The move was seen as a significant step towards enhancing institutional independence, academic innovation and long term growth.

In addition to these decisions, the Governing Body also took several important faculty and student centric measures designed to encourage skill development, academic advancement and the overall growth of both teachers and learners. The emphasis remained on creating a stronger academic environment while preparing students more effectively for future professional responsibilities in the healthcare sector.

The meeting also took note of the college’s efforts to establish Memoranda of Understanding with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence. These proposed collaborations are expected to open up better learning avenues, academic exchange and wider opportunities for both students and faculty members.

Stress was also laid on the importance of community engagement and social outreach. The Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board advised the college to further strengthen initiatives that contribute to society and expand its outreach programmes so that the institution’s role extends beyond academics and becomes more closely linked with community service and public welfare.