- University of Jammu Approves Translation Cell, Earth Sciences Faculty, and New Degrees
JAMMU, February 16: The Academic Council of the University of Jammu convened under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Umesh Rai and approved a series of significant academic, statutory and institutional initiatives aimed at strengthening the University’s academic framework in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020.
Registrar Dr Neeraj Sharma presented a comprehensive agenda before the Council, outlining proposals designed to expand academic offerings and enhance institutional capacity. Among the key decisions was the approval to introduce B Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering at the University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kathua Campus, marking a substantial step towards expanding technical education in the region.
The Council also endorsed the establishment of a Translation Cell within the Centre for Distance and Online Education, a move intended to promote linguistic inclusivity and support the development of academic material in multiple languages. In another student-focused initiative, the Council approved the proposal of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, NIELIT Srinagar and Jammu, to conduct free skill development programmes for students across the University and its offsite campuses.
Further expanding professional education, the Council approved the introduction of a Four Year Bachelor of Physical Education and Sports programme with an intake of 50 students under the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education. It also endorsed the launch of a Two Year Integrated Master of Library and Information Science programme under NEP 2020, replacing the existing one year Bachelor and Master programmes offered under the Non CBCS pattern from the academic sessions 2026 27 and 2027 28 respectively.
In keeping with NEP reforms, the Council cleared the introduction of the Integrated Teacher Education Programme in the Department of Education from the academic session 2026 27. It also adopted statutes governing the Five Year Integrated Programme in the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences and approved similar Five Year Integrated UG PG Programmes at both the main campus and Bhaderwah Campus under the NEP framework.
In a major relief to students, the Council approved a one time special opportunity for reappear and failure candidates of UG and PG professional and non professional programmes to clear pending backlogs up to the academic year 2026. This decision was widely viewed as a compassionate and student centric measure.
To further strengthen academic governance, the Council endorsed the constitution of a separate Faculty of Earth Sciences along with the creation of a dedicated Dean for the Faculty. It also approved guidelines for joint and twinning degree programmes with foreign higher education institutions in accordance with the UGC Regulations 2022 on academic collaboration, thereby enhancing global engagement opportunities.
The Council further endorsed the introduction of a B Com programme under the Non Collegiate Women Education Board at the Centre for Distance and Online Education. It approved the award of academic credits to UG and PG students participating in co curricular activities in line with the National Credit Framework.
In an encouraging development for research and publication, the Council took note of the allocation of ISSN 3108 2327 to the University’s vernacular peer reviewed annual journal Gyananjali, elevating it from a local publication to a globally recognised academic resource.
The meeting witnessed active participation from Dean Academic Affairs Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Research Studies Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Planning and Development Prof Sangita Gupta, along with Deans of Faculties, Rectors, Directors, Heads of Departments and other senior officials, reflecting a collective commitment to academic excellence and institutional growth.