Governor, CM for quality research initiatives

KU, JU to get Rs. 50 lakh each
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 20: Governor N. N. Vohra and Omar Abdullah today decided to provide a seed capital of Rs. 50 lakh each to the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu for the promotion of research activities in both these institutions of higher learning.
The Governor and the Chief Minister announced this while addressing the University Council meeting of the Kashmir University at Raj Bhavan here today.
The Governor laid emphasis on high end research projects, particularly those having a bearing on the economic development of the State. He added that this would also enhance the employability of highly trained human resource which can also contribute in a big way towards securing the goal of making J&K a frontline developed State in the near future.
The Governor, who is Chancellor of the University, also laid emphasis on engendering greater linkages between the Universities and the colleges and schools so that the issue of deficiency of well qualified faculty in various subjects at the college and University levels could be progressively addressed by encouraging the brighter students to pursue higher studies and research, particularly in respect of those subjects in which there is a shortage of teachers.
The Governor observed that there is urgent need for enlarging the outreach of various skill upgradation and placement programmes like UDAAN so that maximum number of youth of the State could be benefited.
The Governor impressed upon the University authorities that a comprehensive Master Plan be got formulated for the infrastructure development of the University so that every new building and other facilities harmonize with the settings of the varsity.
The Chief Minister, while referring to the augmentation of hostel and other facilities for the students in the University, stressed for preparing projects for funding by various sources, including the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs to avail maximum benefits of the schemes available with them. He said that adequate provisions be ensured for water harvesting and use of solar energy in the upcoming hostels and other buildings in the University.
The Chief Minister said that employability aspects must be kept in view while introducing any new course. He added that high priority needs to be accorded to those courses which have higher employment potential in the existing and emerging job market scenario.
Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, in his comprehensive power point presentation, dwelt on the status of various ongoing research projects and those in the pipeline, achievements of the University in varied fields since the last meeting of the Council, status of the establishment of new satellite Campuses, etc.
Among other members of the University Council, the meeting was attended by Prof. M. P. S. Ishar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; R. P. Aggarwal, formerly Secretary, Union Ministry of Human Resource Development; Prof. Jayati Ghosh from JNU; M. I. Khandey, Principal Secretary, Finance; Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Tanveer Jehan, Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education and Prof. Syed Fayyaz Ahmad, Registrar, University of Kashmir.