Srinagar, 23-10-2024: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who serves as the Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, presided over the 83rd University Council meeting at the Raj Bhawan on October 23. The meeting focused on academic advancements and institutional reforms to align the university’s objectives with emerging educational trends and regional needs.
During the meeting, LG Sinha emphasized the importance of integrating skill development, innovation, and entrepreneurship into the university’s curriculum to equip students with the necessary tools to address local and global challenges. He highlighted the need for the university to launch programs that foster creative solutions and contribute to the region’s socio-economic progress. One key directive was to introduce Under-Graduate (UG) courses at the university’s main campus, which would further expand educational opportunities for students.
Among the decisions made, the Council granted in-principle approval to several initiatives, including the introduction of a four-year Innovative Bachelor’s Programme titled “Design Your Degree” (DYD). This program is part of the university’s broader efforts to offer flexible, interdisciplinary education that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP-2020). Additionally, the council adopted statutes for undergraduate programs, enabling students to pursue two academic degrees simultaneously, in line with UGC guidelines under NEP-2020.
The Council also approved the renaming of the Institute of Music & Fine Arts at the University of Kashmir in honor of Pran Krishan Kaul, a decision that aligns with Government Order No. 1161-JK (GAD) of 2021. This renaming reflects the institution’s recognition of cultural heritage and its contribution to the arts.
A series of academic and administrative matters were also deliberated upon, with a focus on further enhancing the university’s overall performance. These discussions underscored the university’s commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that it remains a leader in higher education in the region.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nilofer Khan, presented several agenda items for the council’s approval and highlighted the university’s achievements in academics, research, and extracurricular activities. She proudly noted that the University of Kashmir had secured the 45th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), demonstrating its upward trajectory in academic excellence.
The meeting was attended by a range of prominent officials, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister for Higher Education Sakeena Masood (Itoo), Principal Secretary to the Finance Department Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary of the Higher Education Department Dr. Rashmi Singh, Secretary of the Planning, Monitoring, and Development Department Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, and other senior officials. Participants joined both in person and virtually, ensuring wide representation and participation in the discussions.