Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 21: Naeem Akhter, Minister for Education, called on N.N. Vohra, Governor, here at the Raj Bhavan today.
Mr. Akhter informed the Governor about various important initiatives which are being taken by the School and the Higher Education Departments to improve and upgrade the functioning educational institutions in J&K.
Emphasizing the crucial importance of the Education Department ensuring that education of high quality is imparted, at all levels, for grooming the upcoming generations, the Governor discussed with Mr Akhter several issues relating to the regulation and development of institutions of higher education in the State and for effectively optimizing available logistical and academic resources.
In this context, the Governor and Mr Akhter also discussed issues relating to the upcoming off-site Kashmir University campuses at Kargil and Leh. It was agreed that the Governor and Education Minister would have further meetings to review all existing and upcoming challenges in the educational arena.
Abdul Latief Deva, who recently took over as Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) also called on Governor.
Mr. Deva apprised the Governor about the various initiatives taken by him, after taking over charge, to deal with the enormous backlog of work and to revitalize the functioning of the Commission which was lying defunct since October 2014. The Governor had an extensive discussion with the Chairman regarding the pending issues which called for high priority time bound attention.
The Governor stressed on Mr Deva the crucial importance of the JKPSC maintaining unimpeachable standards in its selection procedures. He pointed out that any compromise in strictly enforcing truly transparent processes and procedures would lead to the selection of the second best, which would impact adversely on the functioning of the entire administrative apparatus.
Governor suggested to Mr. Deva to early visit the UPSC and study its systems and procedures, which had stood the test of time.
Dr. Khurshid Andrabi, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir briefed the Governor about the outcome of his visits to the University’s off-site campuses of Leh and Kargil and the manner in which he proposes to deal with admissions in the current academic year. Dr. Andrabi apprised the Governor about the recent decision of the University to enhance the duration of B.Ed. course from one to two years as per NCTE Regulations, 2014. The Governor and Dr. Andrabi also discussed several important matters relating to the smooth functioning of the Kashmir University.
The Governor re-iterated the importance of the highest academic standards being maintained, alongside the maintenance of strict discipline and decorum in the University, at all levels, in the academic arena.
Balwant Thakur, Director, Natrang, Jammu, who is also Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Jammu also called on Governor.
Thakur briefed the Governor, who is Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, about the to-date status of the various activities which are being carried out by Natrang for preserving and showcasing the heritage and performing art forms in the villages surrounding the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji. Several of these programmes are supported by the Shrine Board.
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