The project of establishing two Cluster Universities, one in Jammu and the other in Srinagar, appears to be in doldrums. The possibility of these universities beginning to function from the academic session in July this year appears a remote possibility. The scheme of Cluster Universities was floated by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan with a total outlay of Rs 110 crore. Primarily the purpose of these Cluster Universities was to provide opportunities of higher education to such of the students of the State as are not financially or logistically able to find admission in regular universities. The policy of the Government about the Cluster University is to provide opportunity to more and more students to pursue various post-graduate, under-graduate and diploma courses in different streams and subjects through regular mode. Under the scheme identified colleges in Jammu and Srinagar would become part of the Cluster University. The Cluster University in Jammu is to comprise GGM Science College (lead college), Government MAM College, SPMR College of Commerce, and Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar and Government College of Education, Jammu.
There are technical and legal hurdles that need to be crossed before the two cluster universities can see the light of the day. The first and foremost is that while the State Government has accepted the scheme, it becomes necessary to amend the J&K State Universities Act which is in vogue at the moment. Introducing new universities will need amendment of the Act. But the amendment will be made only by the legislature. The Government, after accepting the Cluster Universities scheme, directed the State Higher Education Department to prepare a memorandum for the Legislature asking for amendment of the Universities Act in order to accommodate the Cluster Universities. The Department of Higher Studies has, consequently, prepared the Memorandum but there is total uncertainty about the Legislative Assembly meeting in formal session to consider the bill. There is no clear indication whether the Government will be formed sooner so that the Bill is passed and then proceeding with the setting up of Cluster Universities becomes a reality. The other alternative is to bring in an ordinance.
There is yet another cause for delay in making the Cluster Universities functional. Two Vice Chancellors have to be appointed and the Selection Committee has to short list the candidates for these two posts. The Selection Committee has not so far moved the matter and as such, the possibility of making selection of two vice chancellors before the commencement of the academic session is not possible. Additionally, about 124 posts of faculties have to be filled through proper selection process. Nothing has been done in that context so far. Selection of faculties is a lengthy and time consuming process. Therefore this also contributes to the delay in making the Cluster Universities functional from the forthcoming academic session.
The HR Ministry has released around 30 lakh rupees so far. Our sources tell us that the amount is being used for development of infrastructure which is part of the scheme. The Commissioner-Secretary Education has conceded that there are certain legal and technical hurdles that have to be crossed before the universities become functional.
We understand the situation clearly and we also know that many formalities need to be completed to make the universities functional. But at the same time, we do not approve delaying the process indefinitely because it means loss of one academic year for the students. The State cannot afford to see the student community losing one precious year of their educational career. Therefore a via media has to be found out. It is time that an ordinance is worked out so that the uncertainty about the formation of the Government does not affect the urgent project. Secondly, there is no real connection between the formation of the Government and selection of faculties or non-teaching staff. That process can begin right now. State PSC is in place and so is the State Service Selection Board. These institutions can begin the process of selection. If the government really does not want the student community to lose one academic year, it can take urgent steps right now and set the ball rolling. Our fear is that delaying the process would ultimately deprive the State of the financial support extended by the Union Ministry of HRD. That should not happen.
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